The next Project EDWARD webinar will examine the latest developments in alcohol interlock technology and policy — and ask what it will take to unlock its full safety potential in the UK and across Europe.
The free online breakfast briefing on the subject will be taking place via Microsoft Teams on Friday 22 May 2026 from 8-9am.
The session comes at a critical moment for road safety policy. Around a quarter of all road deaths in Europe still involve 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 – is now 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 takes 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 support 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 is also building. Italy 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 has announced that all repeat drink-drive offenders will be required to install an interlock, following an existing requirement for coaches.
The European Transport Safety Council has called on the EU to extend mandatory interlock requirements to all new professional vehicles. Studies consistently show that alcohol interlocks can 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 argue demands urgent legislative action.
During the session, Project EDWARD’s James Luckhurst will consider what – or who – is holding back wider adoption, legally, technically, and politically. He will also seek to find out why earlier initiatives stalled, what lessons can be learned and who needs to be involved – from legislators and courts to fleets, employers and health professionals.
The event is 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 will have their cameras and microphones enabled, allowing the opportunity for a truly interactive conversation.
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