Drink-driving crackdown could lock motorists out of their cars

SCOTTISH police are studying plans for ‘alcolocks’ to be fitted to cars to stop drivers starting the engine if they are over the drink limit.

Drivers have to pass a breath test in order to start their cars under a pioneering scheme introduced by Durham Constabulary.

The devices, commonplace in countries such as Denmark, will be fitted to offenders’ cars on a voluntary basis.

They will be offered free of charge to any motorist in an effort to cut the number of drink drivers on the roads.

Last night Chief Superintendent Stewart Carle, commander of the road policing division at Police Scotland, said: ‘There are no plans by Police Scotland to introduce “alcohol interlocks” in Scotland. However, we will liaise with our colleagues at Durham Constabulary to learn more about this initiative and how it is operated – and its benefits.’

He added: ‘Any initiative which involves an alternative to prosecution must first be approved by the Lord Advocate.

‘Scotland has led the way in reducing deaths caused by drink-driving with the introduction in 2014 of the lower drink-driving limit.’

Detective Inspector Andy Crowe, who is leading the English initiative, said: ‘This project is a first for the UK and will hopefully help us identify and deal with potential drink drivers before they even get behind the wheel.

‘A number of offenders have a problematic relationship with alcohol and we hope, as part of a wider programme, this will help them address their issues.’

The pilot scheme is being run as part of the force’s Checkpoint programme, which aims to divert offenders from crime. They can avoid a criminal prosecution by taking part in a four-month programme to address the root cause of their problems.

In instances where drinking is a factor, offenders will be asked to agree to have an alcohol interlock fitted to their car.

Police, Crime and Victims’ Commissioner for Durham, Ron Hogg, said: ‘Durham Constabulary will use these on a voluntary basis for repeat offenders.’

Neil Greig, of motoring body IAMRoadsmart, said: ‘As an additional treatment for multiple offenders, we have no problem with the use of alcolocks on a case by case basis. We are not convinced they need to be a standard fit on all cars.’

‘Led the way in reducing deaths’