𝓤𝓷𝓲𝓽𝓮𝓭 𝓝𝓮𝔀𝓼

A new road safety system backed by campaigners has been abandoned by Labour. Earlier this year, the Government opened a consultation on a new Road Safety Strategy, with officials promising to look into installing alcohol interlock devices, or alcolocks, on vehicles. These are sophisticated breathalyser tools wired directly to a car’s ignition, preventing cars from being started if motorists are over the drink-drive limit. The tool could be a massive road safety boost and would only be fitted in the vehicles of individuals with a history of drink-driving.

However, officials have rejected the idea for a widespread introduction of the tool after explaining that a majority of respondents to a Government consultation were against the plan. Some respondents argued that alcolock tools were a lower priority than other vehicle safety technology, while concerns were also raised around costs and implementation.

However, it has not ruled out looking at alcolocks again at some point in the future.

The Department of Transport said: “The government will not mandate AIIF as part of this package of GB type approval changes. It believes it is proportionate to proceed with the broader package without delay, given that the benefits of the measure would depend on a more comprehensive policy framework for alcohol interlocks in GB. The government also recognises the possibility of future use.”

However, the Government’s decision was called out by experts from the RAC who blasted the decision as an “opportunity missed”.

A previous RAC study found that more than half of motorists (53%) believe that alcolocks could reduce instances of drink-driving on UK roads.

Just 23% of the 1,763 drivers polled by the RAC didn’t think the breathalyser devices would work.

RAC senior policy officer Rod Dennis said: “It’s disappointing it’s decided that alcolock interfaces shouldn’t have to be fitted to vehicles as standard. It feels like an opportunity missed as it would have made it easier to fit alcolocks to the vehicles of repeat offenders in future.”

Mr Dennis added: “This is not about alcolocks being fitted to all vehicles, it’s about making it easier to get these devices put in the vehicles of repeat drink-drive offenders so they can’t get behind the wheel drunk again.

“RAC research shows there is strong support among drivers for alcolocks being used in this way.”