National Express to introduce alcoclocks on all coaches
After spending two years testing the new breathalyser devices, National Express have announced that the system is to be rolled out through its entire UK fleet of coaches.
The device measures the alcohol levels in a driver’s system through a breathalyser which is connected to the vehicle. Should a driver fail the breath test, then the coach is automatically disabled and cannot be driven. A message is then sent to National Express H.Q notifying them of the vehicle registration number, and the amount of alcohol detected in the driver’s system.
The safety system, which is commonly known as an alcoclock, has become a familiar fixture in Europe with many countries electing to use it. It was invented in Sweden where the device is now used extensively in both private vehicles and on public transport. In France all public vehicle are fitted with the device.
Now the UK is following suit as National Express prepares to fit alcoclocks on all 500 coaches within its fleet. It is hoped that the revolutionary safety device will prevent serious alcohol related accidents from occurring in the future.
There has been a positive response from National Express coach drivers who have welcomed the introduction of the alcoclock, saying it will go a long way to improving standards of customer safety.
Will National Express make it mandatory for all their contractors and/or franchisees to have the device installed as well?
Surely there are many more than 500 vehicles being operated within the United Kingdom in the National Express livery and in their name.
National express already do alco test their contractors on rail contracts and they also audit contractor vehicle defect systems. They seem pretty pro active on safety. I would welcome this throughout the country, starting in London funded by TFL