All new cars in the UK are to be fitted with breathalysers and speed limiters thanks to EU road safety rules which have just been passed.
The breathalysers could require drivers to pass a random breath test before the ignition will activate.
The speed limiters will link to GPS and will automatically slow the car if the driver breaks the speed limit, reports The Mirror .
The rule was approved in March, was confirmed last week and will come into force in 2022.
Even if we leave the European Union, the Government has agreed to mirror EU road safety rules after Brexit.
Joshua Harris, director of campaigns at Brake, said: “Drink-driving and speeding are a scourge on our roads and the cause of devastating crashes every day.
“On the eve of Road Safety Week, it’s fantastic to hear that alcohol interlock compatibility and speed limiting technology will soon be mandatory.”
Timo Harakka, of the European Council, said: “These new rules will help us to reduce significantly the number of fatalities and severe injuries.”
Edmund King, president of the AA said: “Drivers sticking religiously to the speed limit still face the threat of smartphone zombies and other unwary road users stepping out in front of them or drunk or distracted drivers crashing into them.
“Technology will play a part but drivers should not rely solely on computers and cameras to drive their cars for them. Until fully autonomous vehicles are on the roads, drivers must keep their eyes on the road and hands on the wheel.”
