More than four in five UK drivers want alcohol interlock devices made mandatory for all drink-driving convicts, new RAC research reveals, as the public demands tougher action against persistent offenders on Britain's roads.
The survey found 80% of drivers back requiring the breath-test devices on vehicles owned by convicted drink-drivers, with support rising to 87% among over-65s. The technology prevents cars starting if alcohol is detected above preset limits.
Alcohol interlocks require drivers to blow into a device before the engine starts. If alcohol is detected, the vehicle remains immobilised. Several European countries already use them as standard rehabilitation tools for drink-drive offenders.
Despite declining drink-drive casualties over recent decades, impaired driving still causes substantial numbers of deaths and serious injuries annually on UK roads. Safety campaigners have long pushed for wider interlock adoption, arguing they directly prevent repeat offences.
The UK currently uses alcohol interlocks in limited circumstances - some employers fit them for professional drivers, whilst courts occasionally order their installation. However, no mandatory programme exists for all convicted drink-drivers, despite clear public support shown in the RAC findings.
The research highlights public appetite for proactive road safety measures. Implementing mandatory interlocks would align the UK with other nations that have integrated the devices into their legal frameworks for managing drink-driving offenders.