Police leaders and road safety advocates have called on Prime Minister Andy Burnham to implement mandatory alcohol interlock devices, or alcolocks, for repeat drink-driving offenders across the country. In an open letter, groups including the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the RAC, and Road Safety Great Britain emphasized the effectiveness of these devices, which prevent a vehicle from starting unless the driver passes a breathalyzer test.
The coalition argues that an enforced alcolock program targeting high-risk drivers could significantly reduce instances of drink-driving. Citing international studies, the letter claims that alcolocks can lower reoffending rates by as much as 70 percent. Additionally, data from RAC polling indicates strong public support, with 82 percent of drivers in the UK favouring their introduction.
Despite this, courts currently lack the authority to require convicted drink-drivers to use such devices as a condition for regaining driving privileges. The groups propose that any effective scheme must mandate alcolock installation coupled with ongoing monitoring and appropriate rehabilitative measures for offenders. This approach aims to prevent unsafe driving before it occurs, rather than relying solely on post-incident penalties or driving bans.
The letter also references Burnham’s prior support for Vision Zero while serving as Greater Manchester’s mayor, a campaign that aspires to eliminate road deaths and serious injuries. The signatories express hope that Burnham will now extend this commitment to encompass nationwide road safety reforms.
The call for action follows the Department for Transport’s recent announcement that it will not make alcolocks mandatory as part of its review of safety features in new vehicles. The DfT’s reluctance to require the technology has drawn criticism from road safety stakeholders who argue that broader adoption of alcolocks could save lives.
The Department for Transport has been approached for comment but has not yet responded to the appeal. Meanwhile, the debate continues over the best strategies to reduce drink-driving incidents and improve road safety across the United Kingdom.