Alcohol sensors suggested in every car

Former Government chief drugs adviser, David Nutt, suggested that every car should have alcohol sensors in order to tackle drink-related road accidents.

Under his proposal, all drivers would have to breathe into the devices to prove their sobriety before starting the car.

Prof David Nutt, who is the president of British Neuroscience Association and a professor at Imperial College, published the recommendation along with six others in his new book entitled Drugs –Without the Hot Air.

His other suggestions include shorter licensing hours and persuading pubs and supermarkets to include non-alcoholic lagers and beers in their menu.

Prof Nutt stated that some countries already use the breath analyser for convicted drink-drivers and argued that the system could be used as a precautionary means to prevent the crime in the first place.

He claimed: “You could potentially have it so that was true of all cars – everybody would have to breathe in (to the device) before they were able to drive away.

“You hear about terrible accidents when four or five young people die simultaneously in the one car because the driver’s been drunk. It could save lot of lives.”

His suggestion however, was criticised by the AA who branded it “impractical”.

AA president Edmund King said: “there is a voluntary scheme of ‘alcolocks’ at the moment but I don’t think Prof Nutt’s plan is practical.

“Our message is that no one who drives should drink. If that message gets across and the police target drink-drivers and breathalyse more people, then you don’t need new devices.

“In France, drives have to carry a breathalyser in the car. The problem here is that you could be under the legal drink-drive limit when you set off and then over the limit half an hour later, as it takes time for alcohol to get into the bloodstream.”

Prof Nutt also suggested the introduction of Amsterdam-style “cannabis cafes” in a bid to lure away people from getting drunk and is due to give evidence in June to the Home Affairs Select Committee, which is conducting a wide-ranging inquiry into the effectiveness of Britain’s drug policy including the arguments for decriminalisation.

But the Home Office has stated that it has no intention of liberalising the drugs laws.

Rajeeb Gurung