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Campaigners are fighting to change the law so the cars of convicted drink drivers will be fitted with “alcolocks” to stop them driving while inebriated. An attempt will be made this week to amend the Crime and Policing Bill so courts can demand drink drivers make use of the technology.

The “lock out drink driving” campaign is supported by the RAC. Alcolocks are breathalyser devices fitted to a vehicle’s ignition but courts today have no power to order their use.

As many as 290 people were killed in 2023 in collisions involving a driver who was over the limit. The campaign claims more than 27,830 people have been “convicted of drink-driving offences multiple times since 2013”.

It is pushing for a mandatory alcolock programme for “high-risk offenders” and repeat offenders.

Simon Williams, the RAC’s head of policy, said: “With drink-driving still causing tragic and entirely preventable loss of life, alcohol-interlock technology offers a practical and proven way to stop repeat offenders and make our roads safer. The public backing for this approach is overwhelming, with 82% of drivers telling us they support the introduction of alcolock technology.

“This shows motorists want evidence-based measures that genuinely prevent dangerous behaviour before another tragedy occurs.”

Lord Hampton, who will attempt to amend the Crime and Policing Bill, said: “This is a long-awaited chance to give courts another tool to stop repeat drink-driving by introducing alcohol interlocks.”

And Labour MP Chris Hinchliff said: “Accidents caused by drink-driving have tragically changed hundreds of lives in my constituency.”

He said present penalties “are not doing enough to deter the dangerous minority of individuals who continue to drink and drive, despite the threat of unlimited fines, driving bans and even prison time”.

He added: “Alcolocks are tried, tested and proven to deliver life-saving results to protect road-users and tackle drink-driving. I hope the Government will look closely at how to make better use of this fantastic technology which can dramatically cut reoffending and has the backing of many drivers across the UK.”

A spokesperson for the Department for Transport said: “Road safety is a priority and as well as strict drink driving penalties in place, we continually assess whether technology can improve road safety. Our major new THINK! campaign reminds drivers of the dangers and the devastating consequences that come from getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs alongside our ongoing drink driving campaigns, both designed to reduce the number of those killed and injured on our roads.”