WIREDGOV

New technology to prevent drink-drivers from using their cars was today put to the test 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 begins today.

If the 18-month pilot is a success new legislation could follow allowing the courts to use alcohol locks as part of their drink-drive rehabilitation programmes.

Launching the research David Jamieson said:

"Over 3000 people are killed and seriously injured by drink-drivers every year and we know that a staggering 20 percent of perpetrators are repeat offenders. 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.

Notes to Editors

1. The research project is looking for convicted drink-drivers, who are about to have or have recently had their licences back, to take part.

2. Any convicted drink-drivers residing in the Bristol or Birmingham areas, who are about to have or have recently had their licences back and are interested in taking part in this research, should telephone the research team in confidence on Freephone 0808 0020033 or email them at research@roadsafetynet.com.

3. In 2002, around 13,000 drink related accidents resulted in about 20,000 casualties, of which an estimated 560 were killed - representing 16 per cent of all road deaths. Drink-drive deaths fell from around 1,700 in the late 1970s to 460 in 1999 but have since started to creep up again.

4. Every year around 100,000 drivers are convicted of drink-driving. About 20% of them are repeat offenders. An alcohol lock is a small breath alcohol testing device linked to the ignition of a vehicle. Drivers must provide a breath sample every time they want to start the vehicle. If the driver has been drinking and the breath sample reveals a level above the preset value, the ignition remains locked and the vehicle will not start.

5. The primary purpose of alcohol locks is to prevent convicted drink-drivers from repeating the behaviour. It consists of a small box about the size of a car radio which is attached by a coiled cord to a sample head and mouthpiece.

6. The alcohol lock limit is usually set at around 20mg/100ml so that the device will not be triggered by small amounts of alcohol in certain foodstuffs and medicines.

7. Several states in the USA, Canada, Australia and Sweden operate alcohol lock programmes. Other countries in the EU including Belgium, France, Germany, Norway and Spain are also undertaking alcohol lock trials.

Public Enquiries: 020 7944 8300
Department for Transport Website: http://www.dft.gov.uk