HGV / LGV alcohol ignition locks may become mandatory

In the UK, there is currently no rule for anyone to keep a device in an HGV / LGV to avoid drivers from moving away when they exceed alcohol limits. However, to tackle the issue of drink-driving, many countries have decided to instate alcohol ignition locks.

In Sweden, around 50,000 HGV / LGV vehicles are equipped with alcolocks. In the United States alone almost 15,000 people die due to drinking and driving. With a continuous campaign about this topic, the levels have reduced considerably.

Devices like alcolocks have a positive effect on people who drive professionally. Almost everyday, there is news about accidents involving commercial vehicles (including, but not limited to, HGVs / LGVs) due to drinking and driving.

Some information about alcohol ignition locks was given out by David Whittock, Joint managing director of Alcolock UK.

He said that two types of units are available in the UK, one is wireless and the other is semi-tethered. The latter type is best suited for commercial vehicles. From next year, other units will be fixed which will be hard wired into cabs. The cost of one unit is around £1,000 inclusive of supply, fitting, warranty and a year’s service contract.