Record number of Victorian booze bandits forced to get alcohol interlocks

A RECORD number of drink-drivers have been ordered to fit alcohol interlocks to their cars to stop them from repeat offending.

A RECORD number of drink-drivers have been ordered to fit alcohol interlocks to their cars.

Up to 17 motorists a day are having to install the devices, which stop the car being driven unless the driver has returned a zero-alcohol breath test.

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Data released by VicRoads showed a record 6114 devices were fitted last financial year, up from 3903 the year before.

So far this financial year, 4083 have been installed.

And from April 30, first-time drink-drivers with low-range blood alcohol levels — who had previously escaped serious punishment — will now lose their ­licences and be forced to install interlocks.

Up to 17 motorists a day are having to install alcohol interlock devices. Picture: Anna Rogers

Currently, about 3000 licence-holders a year are caught with a blood-alcohol content of 0.05 to 0.07.

And earlier this month, the Andrews Government announced the intention to close a loophole which left Victoria unable to apply interlock laws to drink-drivers moving here from interstate.

Minister for Roads and Road Safety Luke Donnellan said no level of drink-driving was acceptable.

“We make no apologies for toughening interlock laws to help keep dangerous drink-drivers off our roads and keep innocent drivers safe behind the wheel,” he said.

Minister for Roads Luke Donnellan.

“We’ve toughened these laws because even at 0.05, drink-drivers double their chances of crashing, risking not only their lives but the lives of others.”

VicRoads acting director John Matta said most drivers with interlocks obeyed the rules and completed their courses. Among thousands, there were only 51 drivers who tried to subvert the interlock.

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