Motorists could see 'zero-tolerance' law changes rolled out as millions risk driving ban and £2,500 fine

The devices prevent a vehicle from being started or driven unless the motorist meets the minimum alcohol limit, which is 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath.

In the UK, drivers caught breaking the rules can be hit with a variety of penalties, including six months' imprisonment, an unlimited fine, a £2,500 penalty or a driving ban for at least 12 months.

Under the new proposals, alcolocks would add a further deterrent to ensure drivers with a history of breaking the law remain safe behind the wheel.

RAC road safety spokesperson Rod Dennis said: "With levels of drink-driving still alarmingly high, drivers are very keen for something different to be done to tackle the problem.

"Drinking and driving might be seen as socially unacceptable by the majority, but it's clear that a small proportion of people are still doing it and putting the lives of themselves and others at serious risk."

He explained that courts have the power to mandate the fitting of alcohol interlocks, with RAC research showing that drivers believe the measures should be put under "serious consideration as they're telling us the current penalties aren't working".

Alcolocks have already been found to be effective in preventing drink driving across several other countries, including Australia, Belgium, Canada, the Netherlands and the US.

The RAC survey revealed that 23 per cent of respondents think only repeat drink driving offenders should be ordered to have the devices installed.

Meanwhile, 87 per cent of drivers aged under 25, as well as 86 per cent of drivers aged between 25 and 44, were keen to see the devices installed in vehicles.

According to the latest Department for Transport data, roughly 260 people were killed on UK roads due to an incident involving at least one driver over the legal alcohol limit in 2023, while approximately 1,600 people were seriously injured.

Over the summer, reports surfaced about Labour's plan to tighten up drink driving rules in the upcoming road safety strategy.

Under the plans, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander is considering cutting the drink-drive limit from 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath to 22 micrograms across England and Wales.

This move would align drink-driving rules with Scotland, which has been operating at lower limits since 2014.

In response to the research, a Department for Transport spokesperson said: "Road safety is a priority and as well as strict drink-driving penalties in place, we continually assess whether technology can improve road safety.

"Our major new Think! campaign reminds drivers of the dangers and the devastating consequences that come from getting behind the wheel under the influence of drugs - alongside our ongoing drink-driving campaigns, both designed to reduce the number of those killed and injured on our roads."

The report follows the launch of Operation Limit, which aims to crack down on drink-driving cases across the UK, with Greater Manchester Police launching tougher checks over the Christmas period.

Chief Inspector Michael Parker, from GMP's Safer Transport Team, said: "We have a zero-tolerance approach to drink and drug driving and over the festive period, we are focusing our efforts on tackling this issue.

"Our officers see the devastating impact of drink and drug driving far too often. We will be carrying out roadside checks right across Greater Manchester throughout December and will take action against anyone who thinks they can ignore the law."