On Friday 22 May, Project EDWARD examined the latest developments in alcohol interlock technology and policy — and asked what it will take to unlock its full safety potential in the UK and across Europe. A free online breakfast briefing on the subject took place via Microsoft Teams on Friday 22 May 2026 from 0800 to 0900.
The session came at a critical moment for road safety policy. Around a quarter of all road deaths in Europe still involved drink-driving, despite decades of enforcement campaigns and public education. Alcohol interlock technology — which requires a driver to pass a breath test before a vehicle will start — was widely recognised as one of the most effective tools for cutting reoffending rates, particularly when embedded within structured rehabilitation programmes for high-risk offenders.
The European Transport Safety Council’s executive director Antonio Avenoso and project manager Francesca Podda have been at the forefront of European efforts to expand alcohol interlock programmes and track country-by-country progress. This briefing took place against a backdrop of potentially significant policy movement. In January 2026, the UK Government launched its first comprehensive Road Safety Strategy in more than a decade, including a commitment to consult on the use of alcohol interlock devices for convicted drink-drivers.
Research published in late 2025 found that 82% of UK drivers supported the introduction of alcohol interlocks — with backing spanning all age groups, from 87% of under-25s to 73% of drivers aged 65 and over. Across Europe, momentum was also building. Italy had recently moved its alcohol interlock programme to full implementation phase, with the Italian Ministry of Transport publishing an official list of authorised devices and installation workshops. France had announced that all repeat drink-drive offenders would be required to install an interlock, following an existing requirement for coaches.
The European Transport Safety Council had called on the EU to extend mandatory interlock requirements to all new professional vehicles. Studies consistently showed that alcohol interlocks could reduce drink-drive reoffending by around 60 to 75% when fitted as part of a supervised programme — a compelling evidence base that many road safety advocates argued demanded urgent legislative action.
During the session, Project EDWARD’s James Luckhurst considered what — or who — was holding back wider adoption, legally, technically, and politically. He also sought to find out why earlier initiatives stalled, what lessons could be learned and who needed to be involved — from legislators and courts to fleets, employers and health professionals.
The event was free to attend and open to road safety professionals, policymakers, fleet managers, health practitioners, enforcement agencies and anyone with an interest in tackling drink-driving. Attendees had their cameras and microphones enabled, allowing the opportunity for a truly interactive conversation.
