Leading road safety organisations are calling on the Government to introduce mandatory alcohol interlock technology for repeat and high-risk drink-drive offenders. The campaign represents one of the most significant pushes for reform of drink-drive penalties in recent years, and its outcome could have real implications for how the courts deal with offenders in England and Wales.
What is an alcohol interlock device?
An alcohol interlock device, commonly referred to as an “alcolock,” is fitted to a vehicle and prevents the engine from starting if alcohol is detected on the driver’s breath. The technology is already in use in offender programmes across New Zealand, Canada, most European countries, and all United States jurisdictions, with evidence from those programmes suggesting reductions in reoffending of up to 70%.
The open letter to Government
The Lock Out Drink-Driving Campaign, together with a coalition of prominent road safety organisations, has written to the Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, urging the Government to act on its existing commitment to consider the use of alcolock devices as part of its new road safety strategy.
The letter was signed by the RAC, Brake, Road Victims Trust, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Road Safety GB, the Alcohol Health Alliance, the Road Safety Foundation, and Vision Zero Communications.
Simon Williams, head of policy at the RAC, said: “Alcolocks represent one of the most effective tools available to the Government, which is readily available and can have an immediate impact on high-risk and repeat offenders. We have seen the evidence from programmes around the world, and we know the public support is there, all that is left is for the Government is to act now.”
The scale of the problem
The case for reform is supported by significant data. RAC analysis of DVLA records revealed that more than 27,000 individuals were convicted of drink-driving on multiple occasions in the eleven years leading up to July 2024. International research suggests that up to 75% of disqualified drink-drivers continue to drive illegally following their ban.
Government figures from 2023 show that drink-driving continues to cause serious harm on UK roads, with over 1,500 people seriously injured and an estimated 260 people killed in collisions involving a driver over the legal limit in that year alone.
Recent RAC polling also found that 82% of drivers would support the introduction of alcolock technology in the UK, suggesting strong public appetite for change.
A spokesperson for the Lock Out Drink-Driving Campaign said: “The system we see today is simply not an effective deterrent. The current penalties are not working, and offenders are repeatedly putting not only their lives but also others at risk. We need to do more so that lives are not needlessly lost.”
Where does the Government stand?
As part of its new road safety strategy, the Government has pledged to review penalties and mandatory training requirements for drink and drug-driving offences, including consulting on the potential use of alcohol interlock devices. A parliamentary roundtable on the issue was held in February 2026, bringing together road safety charities, policing representatives, and parliamentarians.
The Government’s consultation on the road safety strategy, which includes proposed measures on alcohol interlock technology, is open until 11 May 2026.
The campaign is calling for a mandatory alcolock programme for high-risk and repeat offenders to be introduced as an immediate priority, with a longer-term pathway towards broader application.
What this could mean in practice
If alcolock programmes are introduced in England and Wales, they would represent a significant shift in how the courts approach repeat drink-drive offending. Rather than relying solely on disqualification, which evidence suggests many offenders simply ignore, a court-ordered alcolock programme would impose a continuing technological restriction on a driver’s ability to offend again.
For anyone currently facing drink-drive proceedings, or who has previous convictions for related offences, it is worth understanding that the legal landscape may be changing. Courts are likely to take an increasingly serious view of repeat offending in this context.
Seek advice early
Whether you are facing a first charge or have previous motoring convictions, obtaining specialist legal advice at the earliest opportunity is essential. The right representation can make a material difference to the penalty you receive.
About Carl Millar
Carl Millar is a highly respected and experienced drink driving solicitor who is the principal of Millars Solicitors.
Carl has been a specialist in road traffic law for many years and represents clients from all walks of life and all over the Country. He is well known for the dogged defending of his clients and robust cross examination of police officers and exert witnesses.
With a wealth of expertise in motoring law Carl is well placed to provide advice over the phone and deal with all road traffic matters in a calm and professional way.
Getting in contact with Carl and Millars Solicitors is really easy. You can call him FREE on 0800 999 5535, or click here to send a confidential message.
