Drivers back mandatory ‘ALCO-LOCKS’ to curb drink-drive reoffending, finds RAC research
- Perry Richardson
- 10 hours ago
- 3 min read
Over half of UK motorists want courts to be given the power to mandate ‘alcolocks’ for drink-drive offenders, according to new research by the RAC.
The survey of 1,763 drivers found 53% support the introduction of in-vehicle breathalyser devices for anyone convicted of drink-driving. These devices prevent the vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath.
Despite the majority support, opinions remain split. Around 23% of those surveyed do not believe alcolocks would be effective in reducing drink-driving, while another 23% were unsure.
The RAC’s findings come alongside Freedom of Information data obtained by the Press Association from the DVLA, which revealed that over 27,000 individuals were convicted of multiple drink-driving offences between July 2013 and July 2024.
Government figures show 47,284 convictions for driving under the influence of drink or drugs were recorded in the year to 2023. The most recent statistics available show 300 people were killed in drink-drive incidents in 2022. The scale of the issue has led 76% of surveyed drivers to say more should be done to tackle the problem.
Views vary on how alcolocks should be applied. Of the motorists in favour, 56% support the idea of mandatory installation for all drink-drive offenders, while 39% think the devices should only be used for those with previous convictions.
Other countries, including Finland, Belgium, New Zealand, Australia, Canada and several US states, already use alcolocks as part of their drink-driving penalties. Typically, offenders face a short driving ban, followed by a mandatory period of driving only with an alcolock installed—usually for one year.
Two-thirds of UK drivers surveyed (66%) said they would support a similar scheme being implemented here. Fifteen percent opposed it, and 19% were undecided.
In New Zealand, for example, offenders must record six months of alcohol-free breath tests before the alcolock is removed. They are then issued a zero-alcohol licence for three years. Any alcohol detected during that time leads to further charges and disqualification.
Concerns around bypassing the system by using a sober person to start the vehicle are addressed by the technology. Alcolocks require additional random tests while driving, making cheating more difficult.
The RAC survey only included full UK licence holders who drive at least once a month and have a vehicle in their household.
Simon Williams, RAC Head of Policy, said: “Too many lives are lost and ruined by drink-driving. It’s also very apparent that many of the drink-drivers caught by the police are reoffenders which implies something different needs to be done to change this dangerous behaviour.
“Drivers have told us they believe that alcohol-interlocks – either just for repeat drink-drivers or for everyone convicted of the offence – could be a good way of reducing drink-drive collisions and the resulting deaths and injuries which are currently far too high.
“We are aware that their use may be seen as a soft option by some, but experience from other countries suggests the opposite. Simply banning habitual drink-drivers doesn’t seem to be the answer even though they face a prison sentence, as all too often they just get behind the wheel again anyway.
“Currently the only options for courts are disqualification from driving, ordering convicted drink-drivers to attend rehabilitation courses and custodial sentences for reoffenders. Court orders that mandate alcohol-interlocks to prevent reoffending could be worth exploring in a trial. We hope the Government considers this in the forthcoming road safety strategy being produced by the Department for Transport.”
