Another device that prevents a car from starting when the driver is over the alcohol limit has been developed, reports the Irish Independent.

This time, it has been made by Toyota and reflects the growing trend towards 'mechanical' intervention when it comes to alcohol and driving. The 'alcolock” is fitted with a digital camera and locks the ignition if it detects the driver has drunk too much.

If its sensors tell it that there is alcohol 'on board' but under the legal limit, it gives the motorist a warning. The camera has a second role -- it can be used to check the driver's identity.
Nissan, another Japanese car-maker, is preparing a device which can be installed in a car in the US. This follows legislation passed in certain states, which would spare a motorist a driving ban if the device is fitted. In some countries, such as Britain, an option under consideration is to offer motorists a shorter driving ban, if they agree to have the device fitted once their disqualification has come to an end. There have also been trials in Sweden, where the user pays all the expenses of the programme, which is around €1,600 a year…

Irish Independent