As of between 2013-2024, there were over 27,000 repeat drink-driving offenders in England and Wales alone. This shocking figure has raised debates around adopting increased vehicle safety standards. The Labour government is evaluating whether to align UK vehicle safety laws with the European Union’s General Safety Regulation 2 (GSR2). This alignment could potentially mandate new cars sold in Britain to include built-in alcohol interlocks, commonly known as alcolocks, and event data recorders, referred to as black boxes.
Alcolocks have been proven to be a deterrent and the only effective practical deterrent we have against further drink-driving offenses. Other countries—including Belgium, Australia, Canada, and especially Finland—have had positive and successful implementations of these devices. Now, courts have the option to require convicted offenders to only operate vehicles with alcolocks installed. The devices automatically measure the driver’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC). If the BAC is above an established threshold, the vehicle will not start. This strategy has opened up enormous potential to change UK car safety standards for the better.
Broader Context of Drink-Driving Offenses
These figures about repeat drink-driving offenders in England and Wales paint a sobering picture of a key road safety problem. With over 27,000 incidences reported in just over a decade, authorities are facing increasing pressure to implement effective measures to deter such behavior. Court-ordered alcohol interlocks are now being seen as an important tool to reduce the growing repeat offender numbers.
In Northern Ireland, an accelerated version of GSR2 regulations has already gone into effect due to Brexit agreements. This has fueled arguments for the introduction of similar regulations to England and Wales. The success of alcolocks in other countries has piqued the interest of UK officials. Now, they’re looking at a large-scale rollout of these devices to help improve safety on their roadways.
What’s more, alcolock pilot programs have already started in the UK. Durham Police and National Express coaches recently launched programs to trial these devices, with exciting results. The trials are currently awaiting FDA review. Nevertheless, these trials provide valuable lessons on how alcolocks should be incorporated into the UK’s vehicle safety regime.
Public Support and Political Implications
A recent RAC poll conducted in May 2025 revealed that 53% of UK motorists support allowing courts to mandate alcolocks for convicted drink-driving offenders. In addition, 56% of supporters supported making alcolocks compulsory for fitting to all offenders – not just repeat offenders. This change in public sentiment illustrates the growing awareness and desire of the motoring public to support measures that make our roadways safer.
At the same time, there could be political implications to the potential rollout of alcolocks. While aligning UK vehicle safety regulations with EU standards may raise fears about loss of regulatory sovereignty in brexit era, Supporters retort that all of these measures would do more to protect vulnerable road users. Others argue that they mark a re-entry to EU sway, something that many feel undermines the purpose of Brexit itself.
Future Prospects for Vehicle Safety Regulations
The discussion surrounding alcolocks is part of a broader consideration of how the UK can effectively balance road safety advancements with the political ramifications of regulatory alignment with the EU. Should the Labour government move forward with implementing GSR2 provisions, it could mark a significant shift in UK car safety norms.
Alcolocks and event data recorders could become required new vehicle technologies. If this amendment is accepted it would dramatically shift how drink-driving offences are addressed and prosecuted in the UK. As deliberations unfold, advocates and opponents will be watching public sentiment and legislative action on these measures in South Carolina and beyond.
