New device will stop drink-drivers from starting their cars – ITV News

New device will stop drink-drivers from starting their cars – ITV News

Police are to offer drink-drivers new devices which will breath-test them before their car starts in a first for the UK.

Durham Police will pilot the scheme to fit alcohol “interlocks”, which mean the vehicle will be immobilised if the driver is over the limit.

The devices are already commonplace in the US and Denmark, and are being offered to offenders on a voluntary basis.

They will also be offered free of charge to anyone in the force area who wants one as part of a bid by police to cut the number of road accidents.

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A pilot scheme in Co Durham will offer drink drivers a free device which requires a clear breath test before their engine will start. DI Andy Crowe of @DurhamPolice explains how it works. pic.twitter.com/sWSbTE9cWe

— Tom Wilkinson (@tommywilkinson) July 24, 2018

Detective Inspector Andy Crowe, leading the initiative, said: “This really is an innovative project which 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 in our area have a problematic relationship with alcohol and we hope, as part of a wider programme, this will help them address their issues.”