WA's first Alcohol Interlock Scheme to start

• Three companies contracted to supply the alcohol interlocks

• Alcohol interlocks come into effect on October 24, 2016 

The Liberal National Government has contracted three alcohol interlock suppliers which will install, monitor and maintain the devices, in a first for the State.

Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister Liza Harvey was today shown a demonstration of the alcohol interlocks which will be installed and used in Western Australia.

"Drink driving offenders need to be aware of the impost of having an alcohol interlock condition being added to their licence - it is costly and a great inconvenience," she said.

Ms Harvey announced three companies had been contracted to supply the alcohol interlocks which would be installed, monitored and maintained at various locations across the State.

The devices would be fitted to vehicles once drivers had been granted an interlock restricted driver's licence and would remain in place until drivers had demonstrated a minimum of six months of alcohol-free driving.

"Serious and repeat drink drivers must pay to have the alcohol interlock device installed at an approved service provider," the Deputy Premier said.

"Vehicles will also have to be presented to a service provider every month for the performance data to be monitored, at the cost of the interlock driver."

The scheme would capture first time offenders convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol (blood alcohol content of or above 0.15) and repeat drink drivers who have been convicted of two or more drink driving offences (blood alcohol content of or above 0.05 or 0.02 for P-platers) within a five-year period.

"As part of our commitment to address the root cause of drink driving, offenders who breach the scheme will also have to undergo alcohol assessment and treatment," Ms Harvey said.

"A vehicle can only be started if the driver provides a sample of 0.02 or less, however they will be required to re-test during the journey."

The Deputy Premier said the alcohol interlock scheme was funded through the Road Trauma Trust Account, which was made up of speed and red light camera fines.

Fact File

• An alcohol interlock will cost the offender about $1,600 for a six-month period

• Alcohol Interlocks will be supplied in WA by three companies: Guardian Interlock Systems Pty Ltd, Draeger Safety Pacific Pty Ltd Interlock and Ajen-Smart Start

• Alcohol is a factor in about one-quarter of fatal crashes and one in 10 serious injury crashes on WA roads 

Deputy Premier and Road Safety Minister's office - 6552 5900