Devices that can prevent a vehicle from being started if the driver is over the drink-drive limit should be introduced in the UK, according to IAM Roadsmart.
The road safety charity contributed to a new report by the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), which states that the devices could help to reduce the number of drink driving incidents.
Alcolocks require the driver to blow into a breath-testing instrument that is connected to the vehicle’s ignition system, to prevent it from starting if the driver is over the limit.
All new cars sold in Europe will be alcolock-enabled from 2022, but it is up to the UK Government to decide on implementation.
Research by IAM Roadsmart has found that 90% of UK motorists support the measure.
The charity said that since 2021, there have been around 240 deaths a year in Great Britain involving a driver over the limit.
IAM Roadsmart director of policy and research Neil Greig said: “Worldwide, integrating technology, such as alcolocks, with rehabilitation courses, has been shown to be the most effective way to stop drink drive reoffending and reduce crashes.
“The evidence is clear. Nearly all motorists want new cars fitted with alcolocks to help stop the daily carnage on UK roads from drink driving and this latest PACTS report is even further endorsement.”
