Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether they have any plans to encourage or require the introduction by vehicle manufacturers of technology linked to government databases automatically to detect attempts to drive by those without a driving licence, or who are medically unfit to drive, and to prevent the vehicle from being driven in such cases.

The Government has no plans currently to require vehicle manufacturers to introduce technology linking the Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency’s driver’s database to vehicles.

There are a number of issues associated with these schemes that would need to be resolved before making any changes, including the high costs of installation and maintenance as well as the need for robust evidence to prove that the technology can lead to sustained, long-term behavioural change.

The Government continues to monitor the development of interlock technology and use of interlock programmes in other countries very carefully.