Motorists in favour of alcolocks in their cars

Most UK motorists (53%) want people convicted of drink-driving to be forced to have alcolocks fitted to their vehicles, a survey suggests.

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The RAC, which commissioned the poll of 1,763 drivers, said a trial of the proposal should be considered as simply banning repeat offenders from driving “doesn’t seem to be the answer”.

Alcolocks prevent a vehicle's ignition from starting unless a person passes a breath test.

The devices also demand further random tests during a journey, in case a drunk-driver attempts to cheat the system by using a sober person to start the engine.

They are used in several nations—such as Australia, Belgium, Canada and parts of the US—in return for shorter driving bans.

People caught drink-driving in the UK lose their licence for at least 12 months, although offenders may be offered a reduced ban if they complete a rehabilitation course.

They also face a fine and possible imprisonment.

Some 53% of respondents to the RAC’s survey said they would support courts being permitted to order anyone convicted of drink-driving to have an alcolock fitted to their vehicle.