Barwon MP Roy Butler says western drivers on the Alcohol Interlock Program are being punished "above and beyond" their court orders by travelling to Dubbo to service their compliance devices.

Car-installed interlocks require drivers serving a court order for drink driving to blow a zero blood alcohol level for their vehicle to start.

People on the program have to service their locks monthly or bi-monthly, but the closest approved mechanics are in Dubbo, Cobar and Tamworth.

He says the punishment is not equitable for people in areas like out west.

"Interlock programs are good programs. It means that those who have made the mistake of drink-driving can remain mobile when a court deems that an interlock is appropriate," he said.

"However, depending on your postcode, currently, the punishment is not equitable.

"We need more agents in locations like Coonamble so people can access services locally without risking a half-day on the road."

Coonamble's Heath (Shrek) Nolan has had an interlock in his car for about 12 months. [IMAGE: Coonamble Times]

Transport for NSW estimates that the average cost of participating in the inter-lock program is in the vicinity of $2800.

Coonamble driver Heath 'Shrek' Nolan says the trip is costing him, and other local participants, time and money well beyond the usual costs of the program.

He says the lock has taught him his lesson, but wants to have an agent closer to town to save the four-hour round trip to Dubbo for checks.

"Put into account days off work, fuel and then the actual cost of it [installation and servicing], that's pretty significant," he said.

"It'd be easy if it was just in Coonamble because then you can just take an hour off work and duck in and get it done.

"And then for people in Carinda or Quambone or Walgett or Baradine, they can just duck to Coonamble. There's a lot of places in between that have to go."

There are four government-authorised interlock providers in NSW, with Smart Start Australia and Draeger being the only two operating in Dubbo.  

If a driver fails to blow zero, a report goes to Transport for NSW (TfNSW) and they have to travel for an unscheduled service within seven days.

"If they do not attend within this timeframe to have the device reset, the device will lock out and the vehicle cannot be started," a TfNSW spokesperson said. 

"While Transport NSW acknowledges this may cause inconvenience, these measures are in place to deter people from driving under the influence of alcohol."

Could local businesses become interlock agents?

Any auto electrician in NSW can apply with a provider to become an interlock agent.

Transport for NSW confirmed that providers must have agents within 150 kilometres of a client, as the crow flies.

That technically covers Coonamble, although the most direct road route to Dubbo is about 165 kilometres.

Baradine sits on the cusp, being 151 kilometres from the nearest agent in Tamworth.

Residents in rural areas north and west of Coonamble fall outside the 150-kilometre radius, along with Quambone, Carinda and Walgett.

Condobolin, Burren Junction, Bourke and Brewarrina also fall outside the radius of their nearest agent.

Smart Start and Draeger were asked whether they would look for an agent closer to the Coonamble area.

Smart Start referred our enquiry back to the NSW Government.

A Draeger representative said they are open to expanding their network "and regularly seek out suitable businesses."

"Businesses interested in becoming agents for the Alcohol Interlock Program can apply through our established application process.

"This process assesses several key criteria, including relevant technical qualifications, sufficient business infrastructure, and appropriate insurances to ensure all program requirements are met," the representative said.

"Our support package includes thorough training on both the devices and the associated software, as well as access to a dedicated call centre for service agents and technical operators.

"In addition, our Service & Installation Manager is available to provide further guidance and support."

Providers may also consider commercial viability and proximity to existing agents when they decide on applications.

The Western Plains App also asked local mechanics in Coonamble and Walgett if they would consider becoming an interlock agent.

One Walgett mechanic, who wished to be anonymous, said they had applied roughly two years ago but did not meet the supplier's requirements.

 They said it can be difficult to have a certified auto electrician on staff.

"The requirements for becoming an auto electrician have changed. You used to be able to send an apprentice away to get trained and then he or she could be qualified," they said.

 "Now, you need a qualified auto electrician to sign off on an apprentice."

They said there is strong demand in Walgett for the service.

IMAGE: Smart Start

Scott Moody from Coonamble-based Moody's Motors said he intends to look into the idea.

"It's something we've been thinking about inquiring about for quite some time," he said. 

"I just need five minutes to do it."

Other local mechanics and auto electricians said they could be interested in being an agent if they knew more about pricing, training and knowledge requirements.

The number of people police have proceeded against for drink driving in Western Plains shires has ebbed and flowed over the ten years to June 2025, according to data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.

In the 12 months to June 2025, Coonamble Shire recorded the highest amount of proceedings (41), followed by Warrumbungle (39), Narromine (33), and Walgett (33).

On the lower end, Bogan and Gilgandra Shire each recorded 13 proceedings, Cobar clocked 11, Bourke registered five and Brewarrina had zero.