Labour could launch in-car restrictions to crack down on driving offences under fresh plans

Labour has suggested that new driving restrictions could be introduced for motorists who repeatedly break the law, under tougher plans.

Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander announced today that ministers are actively examining whether alcohol interlock devices should become compulsory for motorists convicted of multiple drink-driving offences.

The confirmation came during a House of Commons question this morning, when the Transport Secretary was pressed by Labour MP Sarah Coombes about technological measures to tackle dangerous drivers.

"This Government is considering whether we should mandate alcohol locks in cars in cases of repeat and high-risk drink-driving offenders," Ms Alexander stated.

The devices prevent a vehicle from starting until the driver passes a breathalyser test, and are already used in several other countries as a condition of licence reinstatement following drink-driving convictions.

Ms Coombes, who represents West Bromwich, raised the issue after revealing alarming speeds recorded on a residential street in her constituency.

The Labour MP explained that Kenrick Way in her constituency had become a magnet for car cruisers who treat the road as a racetrack, causing misery for local residents.

"I've been campaigning for a camera to be installed there, which was finally installed a few weeks ago, and I found out yesterday that they've already caught people driving at 125mph along this residential road," Ms Coombes told the Commons.

The MP had previously hosted Ms Alexander on a visit to the area, where they met with West Midlands Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster.

The Transport Secretary acknowledged the gravity of the street racing problem, recalling her visit to Coombes' constituency, where she witnessed firsthand the impact on local communities.

"I do remember how struck I was by how dangerous and invasive this form of reckless behaviour is on her local roads," she said.

She indicated that the question of applying technological interventions to street racers merited serious consideration.

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The minister committed to taking the matter further, confirming she would direct civil servants to investigate potential options.

Labour's Road Safety Strategy, released in January this year, provides the framework for these enforcement discussions.

It sets ambitious targets for reducing casualties on UK roads, aiming for a 65 per cent cut in deaths and serious injuries by 2035, with an even more stringent 70 per cent reduction target for children under 16.

Ms Alexander referenced the strategy during her Commons appearance, noting that it "promotes partnership working between government, local authorities, industry and others to save thousands of lives and ease pressure on the NHS".

The campaign represented the first comprehensive road safety plan in over a decade, acknowledging that progress on reducing fatalities has stalled since 2010 despite advances in vehicle technology.

Within the strategy, the Government ministers are also examining whether to lower the legal blood alcohol limit in England and Wales, which currently stands as the highest in Europe and has remained unchanged since 1969.

Additional enforcement measures under consideration include new powers to suspend driving licences for motorists suspected of drink or drug driving offences while awaiting court proceedings.