Repeat drink-drivers should have to blow in breathalyser to be able to start car, says RAC

The RAC and AA are calling for the introduction of breathalysers that require a driver to blow in a tube before their car will start

Campaigners are calling for repeat drink-drivers to be required to have breathalysers in their cars, allowing them to drive only if they are sober. Over the 11 years leading up to July 20, a total of 27,837 British motorists were convicted multiple times for this offence.

Shockingly, 372 were caught after at least four incidents, including four who were prosecuted seven times. These figures highlight the need for the government to consider introducing "alcolocks" in the UK, according to motoring organisations.

These devices, already used in countries like France, Belgium, Italy and Denmark, prevent a vehicle's ignition from starting unless the driver passes a breath test. RAC road safety spokesman Rod Dennis 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."

Mr Porter also supported the use of alcolocks and suggested that increasing the number of roadside breathalyser tests by police would "provide a visual deterrent for those thinking about risking it".

Department for Transport statistics reveal that around 300 individuals lost their lives in accidents on Britain's roads in 2022, where at least one driver was over the legal alcohol limit. This figure marks an increase from 260 fatalities in the previous year and is the highest since 2009, reports the Mirror.

A spokesperson for the DfT commented: "Road safety is an absolute priority for this government. That's why we have committed to delivering a new Road Safety Strategy, the first in over a decade. We will set out the next steps on this in due course."