Saab Alcokey on the way

Keys that prevent a car from being started by a drink-driver could be available in the UK within two years.

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Keys that prevent a car from being started by a drink-driver could be available in the UK within two years.

Car maker Saab has begun production of the Alcokey in Sweden and hopes it will be launched on the Swedish market next year, arriving in the UK shortly afterwards.

Users of the Alcokey will have to breathe into a small mouthpiece on the car’ key fob, which is fitted with a breathalyser. This will then communicate with the car’ on-board computer, immobilising the engine if the breath sample is found to contain alcohol above the permitted level.

The technology will initially be available as an optional extra on all Saabs and will cost around £225. However, the company hopes arrangements with insurance companies will lead to lower premiums for owners of cars fitted with the Alcokey system.

A spokesman for Saab said: ‘The Alcokey is intended as a support for those who wish to stay on the right side of the law. This system has the potential to pick up a large number of drink-driving cases and save lives.’

Saab’s announcement of the production of its Alcokey follows the Government’s launch of its Road Safety Bill 2005, which includes plans for research into Alcohol Ignition Interlock Programmes (AIIPs).

A Department for Transport spokesman said: ‘The bill allows for the future use of AIIPs. Research and experience in North America and Australia has shown that these are effective in discouraging re-offending.

‘Courts would have the power to order that a drink-driving offender would be able to drive during the latter part of his disqualification period under AIIP conditions.’

The bill states: ‘These conditions would include elements of education and counselling but the central feature is that the offender may drive only a car that is fitted with a alcohol interlock device that is designed to prevent the vehicle being driven until a specimen of breath has been given in which the proportion of alcohol does not exceed a specified amount.’

For more information on the Road Safety Bill, log on to www.dft.gov.uk.