Some drivers could be ‘locked out’ of their cars due to a simple change (Image: Getty)
Certain drivers could be “locked” out of their cars under proposals to tackle across the UK.
Motoring organisations warned that “serious consideration” should be given to installing special “alcolocks” in some vehicles.
The , preventing motorists from
A tool located behind the ignition will quickly calculate the level of in the sample and decide if an individual is safe to travel.
If there’s little or no alcohol in the sample, the engine will start as usual. However, the ignition will not fire if the alcohol level exceeds a certain threshold.
Breathalyser tools will analyse breath and determine if drivers are sober (Image: Getty)
William Porter, policy and communications manager at warned urgent action was needed to boost safety on UK roads.
He explained: “Measures should include an expansion of drink-drive rehabilitation courses which lower the rate of reoffending among those who take them against those who do not.
“Additionally, serious consideration should be given to require repeat offenders to have alcolocks fitted to their vehicle.”
The tool is already being rolled out across Europe with the breathalyser machines fitted in school buses across France, Spain, Finland, Belgium and The Netherlands.
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Meanwhile, trials in Australia, Germany and the United States are looking into whether the tools could be fitted in vehicles of those convicted of drink-driving offences.
Changes could be coming quicker than many think with new EU rules from July 2024 stating that all new vehicles must be built in ‘preparation’ for alcolocks.
In reality, this means that the car ignition system must be and deciding on an outcome.
The latest fears come after new data shows tens of thousands of motorists are
A staggering 27,837 British motorists were convicted more than once over the past 11 years.
Thousands of drivers have broken drink-drive rules multiple times (Image: Getty)
Meanwhile, an eye-watering 372 were caught after at least four incidents, with four prosecuted seven times.
road safety spokesman Rod Dennis has warned there is a “good argument” that breathalysers should now be in certain UK cars.
He said: “It’s chilling to see a proportion [who] remain intent on taking charge of a car while intoxicated, even after they’ve already been caught on at least one occasion.
“The rate of fatalities caused by people drinking and driving is now at a similar level to where it was in the late 1980s, so it’s clear something needs to change.
“Drivers need to be prevented from drinking and driving in the first place, so there’s a good argument for mandating alcolocks be fitted to vehicles driven by anyone previously convicted.”