Minister tests new drink-drive technology

New technology to prevent drink drivers from using their cars was put to the test last week by road safety minister, David Jamieson.

The alcohol lock (alcohol ignition lock) will be fitted into cars of convicted drink drivers as part of a research project across Birmingham and Bristol. Recruitment of volunteers for the research also began last week. If the 18-month pilot is successful new legislation could follow to allow the courts to use alcohol locks as part of drink drive rehabilitation programmes.

"Over 3000 people are killed and seriously injured by drink drivers every year and we know that a staggering 20 per cent of perpetrators are repeat offenders," David Jamieson said. "Drivers who have been banned in the past could have the alcohol lock device fitted to stop them driving even after half a pint or a small glass of wine.

"Alcohol lock programmes in other countries have worked well with repeat drink drivers and it is vital that we look at how the technology could be received here too. There are a lot of issues to be explored but I'd like to see it legislated for as soon as possible."

The alcohol lock device fits into the car's ignition and the driver must take a breath test to check blood alcohol levels - if they are too high then the car will not start. The technology also includes a random testing function, which monitors the driver en route to make sure they have not consumed alcohol since starting the car.

More @ http://www.dft.gov.uk/pns/DisplayPN.cgi?pn_id=2004_0109.