More than four out of five people would support the reintroduction of ignition interlocks in cars for people who have been convicted more than once of driving under the alcohol.

A survey by IPSOS I&O on behalf of victim support charity Fonds Slachtofferhulp found that 84% of people were in favour of alcohol locks for repeat offenders. Just under half (43%) believed the locks should be used for a first offence.

The locks, which require the driver to pass a breathalyser test before they can start the car, were used between 2011 and 2015, but had to be scrapped after the Supreme Court and the Council of State ruled the measure was excessive.

Drivers were ordered to install the lock in addition to paying a fine and meet the cost of installation – then around €5,000 – out of their own pocket. The courts said the sentence did not take sufficient account of people’s personal circumstances.

The devices were also prone to technical failures and manipulation – drivers could simply ask a passenger to blow into the breathalyser or disconnect the lock while driving.

The survey also found three-quarters of people said the alcohol limit for cars, motorbikes and fatbikes should be zero, rather than the current level of 0.5 millilitres of alcohol per litre of blood – roughly equivalent to two glasses of beer or wine.

More than 2,100 people took part in the poll, around half of whom were under the age of 25.