Cambs pubs and venues offer discounted soft drinks to back police drink drive crackdown

Cambridgeshire pubs and venues are working together to support a crackdown on drink drivers[1] this month. More than 40 businesses have signed up to support Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s[2] campaign. Police are promoting the ‘I’m DES’ scheme where participating venues give free or discounted draught soft drinks to designated drivers.

The initiative, led by the Vision Zero Road Safety Partnership, aims to reduce the number of road collisions caused by drink driving during the festive period. PC Nick Southern, the force’s casualty reduction officer, said: “We’re pleased to see so many pubs and venues supporting the ‘I’m DES’ campaign this year. Some are offering free drinks, but this isn’t sustainable for everyone.

“This year with financial pressures it’s been very tough for pubs and restaurants, but we are so grateful that they are on board and their support will go a long way in keeping drink drivers off our roads. We would encourage people to take advantage of the scheme and help us make the roads of Cambridgeshire[5] safer for everyone. “Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability.

If you’re drinking, even just one, we advise you to arrange another way of getting home.” A total of 41 venues have signed up to the scheme this year, together with a further 14 venues in neighbouring counties. To participate in the scheme running throughout December, people need to let staff in participating venues know they are the designated driver and, if asked, to show their car keys.

Alcohol takes time to leave your system and you may still be over the drink drive limit the following morning. PC Southern added: “Before you get behind the wheel please think – is it worth the risk? “Consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance to avoid the temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit.

This includes people doing everyday activities such as driving to work, doing the school run, popping to the shops or going to see friends. “Please do not gamble with your life and be aware of the danger you pose by getting behind the wheel while under the influence. It’s really not worth taking the chance.”

People can help make the roads of Cambridgeshire safer for everyone by confidentially reporting others they suspect of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs. The force’s dedicated, confidential hotline: 0800 032 0845 is available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Calls to the hotline nearly tripled after the force’s festive campaign last year, with five calls in November compared to 13 calls in December. Throughout 2022, there was a total of 119 calls to the hotline. Do you want more of the latest Cambridgeshire news as it comes in?

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References

1. ^ crackdown on drink drivers (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
2. ^ Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
3. ^ Family pays tribute to grandmother-of-six killed in crash on A16 between Peterborough and Crowland (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
4. ^ Family of Littleport woman killed in A10 crash pay tribute to ‘beautiful, loyal and kind’ 68-year-old (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
5. ^ Cambridgeshire (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)
6. ^ You can also sign up to our dedicated Peterborough, Traffic and Crime newsletters for the latest updates on the topics you are most interested in. (www.cambridge-news.co.uk)