Christmas Drink Drive Campaign

Emergency services and road safety professionals across Cleveland are joining forces to urge people to steer clear of drink and drug driving this Christmas.

Acting Inspector Gary Hatton, Head of Cleveland’s Road Policing Unit and Chair of Cleveland Casualty Reduction Group, said: “All the emergency services see the aftermath of drink and drug driving all too often at the scenes of horrific crashes and we are united in urging drivers not to take the risk this Christmas. We do work all year round to try to get the message across but some drivers ignore our pleas. Drink and drug driving is completely irresponsible and we are doing all we can to stamp it out.

“The message is not getting through to a hardcore of individuals who still think it is acceptable to have a drink, or take drugs, and drive. This is unacceptable and we will do all that we can to stop these individuals.”

This year’s campaign features Colin Hudson, landlord of the Yorkshire Coble Public House on West Dyke Road in Redcar. Colin operates a system where his customers can voluntarily hand over their car keys to him, which he will keep in a locked safe, to ensure that they don’t drive home after consuming any alcohol.

Colin said: “I am very supportive of all drink and drug driving initiatives and I am very excited to be working together with all the partners to help promote the Christmas message to the people of Cleveland.”

Police and partners have also organised a cortege of emergency services vehicles and means of public transport (taxi, bus, hearse) which will be in procession together in Redcar to promote the safety message to road users.

Paul Watson, Chairperson of Road Safety GB North East, said: “Too many people think it is acceptable to drive their vehicle after drinking alcohol. We all know that drinking and driving is socially unacceptable, dangerous and wrecks lives. Far too many people suffer misery on the regions roads as a direct result of drink driving. Hopefully this campaign will prevent death and serious injury caused by the mindless minority that will drink and drive. The message is simple - drink or drive and if you are planning to drink think about how you will be getting home.”

The campaign will run throughout December and into the New Year and will include random stop checking of vehicles, as well as targeting activities in areas known for drink-related collisions and drink/drug drive offenders. Cleveland Police policy is to breathalyse any driver committing a moving traffic offence, or who is involved in a collision, and anyone suspected of drinking alcohol.  Drug drivers will be dealt with by means of roadside field impairment tests to test for the effects of drugs.

This year again sees Cleveland Police team up with its road safety partners. Colleagues from the Ambulance and Fire Services together with local authorities Road Safety Officers and licensees will join forces to drive home the message.

Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Community Protection, Councillor Dave McLuckie, said: "What is clear is that even though drunk drivers think they're capable of driving, the scientists and the statistics are clear they can’t.

"I think it's vitally important that we get the message across and using all these different vehicles that you could end up travelling in is a graphic example.

"To me, it's clear that if you take your car to the pub, you intend to drive it back - so my message is: Don't take it - leave it at home."

Acting Inspector Hatton said the education and enforcement strategy would continue until everyone gets the message, “We will be out in force over the festive period to raise awareness and educate the public, but be assured that we are also keen to catch the drink drivers who choose not to listen to our warnings. If you are caught then you will lose your licence, perhaps your job as well. Do you fancy walking everywhere for a year or more? Can you do without your car? Can you live with killing or injuring one of your friends or relatives? The question you need to ask yourself is, ‘What’s it gonna be?’

“How will you be getting home? Get a taxi, use public transport or nominate a dedicated driver who will stick to soft drinks. Never ever drink or take drugs and drive.”