Caravan Insurance

A car insurance company is calling for the government to introduce a policy of compulsory 'alcolocks' for drivers convicted of drink driving.

The technology is being trialled in two cities in a bid to improve road safety, requiring people who have served a ban to be breathalysed each time they get into their car.

If the sensor registers alcohol, the car simply won't start.

Privilege Insurance wants this technology to be compulsory for up to six months to ensure the driver is less likely to reoffend.

Ian Parker, managing director, said: "If the pilot schemes in Bristol and Birmingham are successful, we would like to see the fitting of an 'alcolock' made compulsory for drink drive offenders.

"It should not be used as a fast-track route back onto the roads for disqualified drivers, but instead used as a tool to check the alarming rate of re-offending."

Privilege has conducted research showing that almost a quarter (23 per cent) of drivers have admitted to being under the influence at the wheel, while 20 per cent of convictions are for re-offenders.

The insurer has spoken as the government is facing renewed attacks on the strength of its Road Safety Bill, including on the issue of dealing with uninsured drivers.

Third party cheap car insurance is a legal requirement in the UK, while drivers would certainly do well to consider comprehensive car insurance.

Although shopping around can result in finding a market leading cheap car insurance premium, there is no replacement for guarding your no claims discount with consistently careful driving.