More drunk drivers to receive alcohol interlocks

Hundreds of drink drivers have been forced to install alcohol interlocks in their cars in the first few weeks of a new crackdown on bloody idiots.

As many as 5000 booze bandits are expected to join the growing army of interlock users this year.

Each will have to cough up about $1600 to fit, service and monitor the device for six months. Interlocks require a breath test to start the engine.

On October 1, new laws introduced by the Victorian state government came into effect, meaning any drink driver whose licence is cancelled must get an interlock to get back behind the wheel.

For the first time, this includes all drink drivers on probationary licences, repeat offenders who have a blood-alcohol concentration of up to 0.07 and other drivers who blow 0.07 to 0.15.

Previously, the interlock law only applied to drivers who blew 0.15 or more, most repeat offenders who blew over 0.07, and young drivers who blew 0.07 or over.

VicRoads data shows between October 1 and mid-November, 310 drivers were caught with a blood-alcohol level of under 0.1. They now need an interlock fitted to drive again.

Road Safety Victoria is expecting the number of interlocks in Victoria to swell to 10,000 a year from 5,000 at present

One of the state's top traffic cops has backed the tough penalties. "If it prevents these people getting behind the wheel again, when affected by alcohol, that's a great result," Acting Inspector Mick Stafford said. 'This is about keeping your family and my family safe on the road." 

Acting Inspector Stafford, who leads the road policing, drug and alcohol team, said more than 2500 drivers were caught for alcohol-related offences during a Christmas blitz, showing some people still hadn't got the message.

Any of those offenders who loses his or her licence will need an interlock fitted once their driving suspension ends.

Road Safety Victoria is expecting the number of interlocks in Victoria to swell to 10,000 a year from 5,000 at present. James Holgate, the VicRoads director of vehicle and road use policy, said devices must also have a camera attached 'to ensure the identity of people driving vehicles fitted with interlocks".

"This allows VicRoads, the courts and others involved in the interlock program to verify that the vehicles in question have been driven by the convicted drink-drivers," he said.