Pilot test of alcohol interlocks planned for Durham, England

Drink-drivers might soon have to install devices in their cars that prevent cars from starting if the driver has been drinking. Called an alcohol interlock, the device is a breathalyser that can make a car inoperable. The driver would have to breathe into the device to prove they are not under the influence of alcohol. Unless the device shows that any alcohol in the driver’s system does not exceed the legal limit, the car will not start.

The Durham Police will conduct the pilot test of the device as part of its Checkpoint programme, aimed at reducing the crime rate in the area. The police will provide the device for free to drivers arrested for drink-driving, and to motorists struggling with alcohol addiction. Drivers will need to breathe into the device at the beginning of a trip and at random times during the journey. The police will receive read-outs from the device in real time.

Alcohol interlocks are already in use in the US, Sweden, and some jurisdictions in France. The devices also became compulsory from July for drivers in Belgium convicted of drink-driving on multiple occasions.

Detective Inspector, Andy Crowe, leading the trial use of alcohol interlocks, said that this is the first trial of the device in the UK. He added that he hoped the device would be effective in keeping potential drink-drivers off the area’s roads.