Alco-gates trial part of $1.1b strategy to reduce deaths and injuries

23 May 2016

An Australian-first trial of alco-gates is among a raft of technology-based investigations designed to help Victoria reduce road fatalities to below 200 by 2020.

The Victorian Government has released its $1.1 billion Towards Zero Road Safety Strategy and Action Plan, with vehicle technology to be a major part of achieving its ambitious targets.

The Strategy includes plans for a voluntary trial, linking breathalysers to car park boom gates at licensed premises.

Patrons leaving the car park at the participating venues would be required to breathe near sensors and if an illegal blood alcohol reading is detected, the boom gates would not open, preventing the driver from endangering themselves and others.

The trial is based on technology used in Sweden, where motorists leaving a ferry terminal must be under the legal alcohol limit before the boom gates will open.

The Transport Accident Commission will run the trial in 2017/2018, with a small number of venues invited to participate on a volunteer basis.

TAC road safety technical manager Samantha Buckis said technologies like alco-gates had the potential to reduce drink driving-related fatalities and injuries.

“Drink driving remains one of the biggest killers on our roads and this trial is about looking at technology that could prevent people from paying for their mistakes with their lives,” she said.

“The vast majority of Victorians find drink driving totally unacceptable and these technologies can deter that tiny percentage of people who continue to take their chances, risking their lives or the lives of others in the community.”

Ms Buckis said alco-gates were just one example of how technology can save lives as Victoria worked towards a future with zero road deaths and serious injuries.

“The Action Plan ensures Victoria is among the world’s leaders in its exploration of new and emerging technologies and their potential to reduce road trauma.

Other technologies being trialled under the Towards Zero strategy include a world first roadside fatigue test, a connected vehicles trial, automated vehicles and passive alcohol sensors.

“Road safety technologies have advanced considerably in recent years and the new Towards Zero strategy ensures that Victorians will be able to reap the benefits of these improvements,” Ms Buckis said.