Four-fifths of UK drivers support alcohol interlocks to cut drink-driving, new data shows

A large majority of UK motorists want to see alcohol interlocks – also known as ‘alcolocks’ – introduced to crack down on drink-driving, according to new figures from the RAC.

The motoring organisation’s latest Report on Motoring found 82% of drivers support fitting alcohol interlocks to prevent repeat drink-driving. Only 7% of respondents opposed the idea, while 12% remained unsure.

Alcohol interlocks are already widely used in countries including Belgium, the Netherlands, Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The devices prevent a vehicle from being started if alcohol is detected in the driver’s breath — a measure advocates say could significantly reduce reoffending.

Strong backing for mandatory use

Among those who support the technology, 71% believe every driver caught over the legal limit should be required to have an alcolock fitted. A further 23% say the measure should apply only to repeat offenders previously caught drink-driving; 6% were uncertain.

Support spans all age groups, though younger drivers expressed the strongest approval:

• 87% of motorists under 25 are in favour

• 86% of drivers aged 25 to 44 back the introduction

• Even among drivers aged 65 and over, 73% support the devices

Drink-driving rates returning to pre-pandemic levels

The RAC’s research also points to a worrying trend: rates of self-reported drink-driving are almost back to pre-2020 levels.

• 12% of respondents admitted driving when they believed they were over the legal limit, either immediately after drinking or the following morning

• Among those aged 25–44, the figure rose to 14%

• For drivers under 25, it reached 18%

These findings come against the backdrop of newly released Department for Transport statistics showing an estimated 260 deaths on Britain’s roads in 2023 involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit. A further 1,600 people were seriously injured.

RAC: ‘Drivers want something different to be done’

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said motorists were clearly calling for change.

“With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem. Drinking and driving might be seen as socially unacceptable by the majority, but it’s clear that a small proportion of people are still doing it and putting the lives of themselves and others at serious risk.

“Giving courts the power to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks – which prevent a convicted drink-driver from getting behind the wheel after drinking – is something that drivers believe warrants serious consideration as they’re telling us the current penalties aren’t working.

“Alcolocks are already in widespread use in other parts of the world and have the potential here in the UK to reduce the number of alcohol-related collisions and casualties, and the costs associated with them.

“The fact a huge majority of drivers support the use of alcolocks sends a clear message that they want to see more being done to tackle drink-driving, something the Government will hopefully address in its soon-to-be-published Road Safety Strategy.”

As the Government prepares to publish its long-awaited Road Safety Strategy, the RAC says ministers now face mounting pressure to consider alcohol interlocks as a tool to curb reoffending and reduce casualties on UK roads.