Clause 14 - Alcohol ignition interlocks
Road Safety Bill [Lords]
2:30 pm
Stephen Ladyman (Minister of State, Department for Transport; South Thanet, Labour)
I agree partially. It is not a measure that should be used for first-time offenders. It could be appropriate for repeat offenders—people who clearly have had an alcohol dependency problem and who, in order to get their licence back, would have to demonstrate not only that they have served their disqualification period, but that they have been through a rehabilitation process of some sort and have addressed their drinking. The disqualification period might be slightly reduced if they agreed to take an alco-lock.
I hear from many Members with constituents who have been in such a position, who have had repeat drink-driving offences and who want their licences back. The DVLA says, “The Secretary of State takes the view that we can’t be certain you are not going to reoffend.” They then have to go to their doctor and get a doctor’s note saying that the doctor thinks that they will not drink again, but sadly, we know that alcoholism is not curable. There is always the possibility of people reoffending; even those who have been sober for many years sometimes start to drink again and may be tempted to reoffend. Once someone has been a repeat offender, it is difficult to convince people that they should get their licence back. I see the proposal as a potential tool for somebody who has been through rehabilitation. If there is a feeling that they may deserve to get their licence back and that they are not going to reoffend, maybe voluntarily agreeing to a alco-lock will allow them to convince those in the system that they should be allowed to drive again.
These things need time to bottom out, however, and to be done carefully, in the light of experimentation, research and results gathered from around the world. I assure hon. Members that if they do not work or research starts to indicate that they have no merit, they will not be used. Given the difficulties of getting primary legislation and the need for it even to do such experiments, it is nevertheless appropriate to take the powers now. Given my reassurances, I hope that hon. Members will support clause stand part.