Road safety organisations are urging the Government to introduce mandatory alcohol interlocks for repeat and high-risk drink-drive offenders as part of the new Road Safety Strategy.
The Lock Out Drink-Driving Campaign, supported by organisations including Road Safety GB, the RAC, Brake, the Road Victims Trust and RoSPA, has written to Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander MP calling for court-ordered alcohol ignition interlock programmes.
Alcohol interlocks, often known as alcolocks, prevent a vehicle from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. Campaigners argue the technology could provide a practical way to stop repeat offenders from getting back behind the wheel while under the influence.
The call comes as the Government consults on its Road Safety Strategy, which includes possible measures on alcohol interlock technology. The strategy sets a target to reduce the number of people killed or seriously injured on roads in Great Britain by 65% by 2035.
For ADIs, PDIs and driver trainers, the issue reinforces the importance of embedding drink-drive awareness, personal responsibility and risk management into driver education, particularly when working with new and novice drivers.
RAC analysis of DVLA data found that more than 27,000 people were convicted of drink-driving multiple times in the 11 years leading up to July 2024. Government figures for 2023 also estimate that 260 people were killed and more than 1,500 seriously injured in collisions involving a driver over the legal alcohol limit.
The campaign says similar offender programmes already operate in New Zealand, Canada, most European countries and all US states, with evidence showing reductions in reoffending of up to 70%.
The Government consultation on the Road Safety Strategy closes on 11 May 2026.
Sourced via: Road Safety GB
