The number of drivers subject to alcohol interlocks in Dunedin may increase from a handful to several hundred, under the Government's proposed changes, Sober Check director Gavin Foster says. Alcohol interlocks act like in-car breathalyser devices wired into a vehicle's starting system. Anyone convicted of two or more drink-driving offences within five years and any first-time offenders caught driving with more than 3.2 times the legal alcohol limit will be subject to an alcohol interlock sentence. Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss yesterday announced alcohol interlock sentences would soon be mandatory for recidivist and serious drink-driving offenders. Mr Foster, the director of one of the two companies responsible for installing and maintaining the devices, said the changes would result in a dramatic increase in the numbers of drivers subject to interlocks.

Source: Otago Daily Times August 09, 2016 18:00 UTC