Could personal breathalysers be made compulsory in the UK?

Earlier this year, France made it compulsory for every driver to carry a minimum of two personal breathalyser kits in their cars – even if they never consume alcohol. The theory behind the move is that if a driver has consumed alcohol, they can make sure they are not over the legal limit before starting the engine and make a journey.

Those drivers who are discovered not carrying the kits with them while driving face a fine. Here in the UK, some campaigners argue that if the same simple system were introduced here it too could save hundreds of lives. Research has revealed that many organisations would be in favour of the idea. But Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents Head of Road Safety Kevin Clinton differs: “We don’t think it would be a good idea because we’re not convinced that these kits are useful.

Our main concern is that they may encourage some drivers to try to drink up to the limit and drive instead of avoiding drinking at all, when they know they’re going to be driving. We don’t think they would help people to avoid drink driving because there’s a danger it would have the opposite effect. We’re also not convinced about how reliable or accurate the readings are. I certainly wouldn’t want to risk my driving license on a three quid blow-in-the bag device.” While disposable breathalyser tests are very cheap, they can also be inaccurate in comparison with those used by police forces. Ultimately, there is no safe limit when driving with alcohol in the system. Mr Clinton described how if personal breathalysers were made compulsory, he feared that police resources dedicated to tackling drink driving directly could be diverted and instead used on making sure drivers have these kits – resulting in a waste of time, money and lives.

News supplied by Taxi Cab News