Cambridgeshire police chief throws weight behind anti-drink drug drive scheme
More than 30 pubs and venues have recently signed up
More than 30 pubs and venues across Cambridgeshire have signed up to a scheme that aims to reduce the number of deaths on our roads.
The 'I am DES' scheme gives free or discounted soft drinks to designated drivers to help crack down on drink and drug driving.
Ahead of the World Cup, Cambridgeshire Police issued a warning to football fans who were thinking of driving while under the influence.
Now the tournament has ended, Darryl Preston - the county's police and crime commissioner (PCC) - is backing businesses for their continued support for the scheme, backed by the PCC's Road Safety Fund.
"The 'I AM DES' scheme is a simple and effective way of encouraging people to plan ahead and make responsible decisions before getting behind the wheel," Mr Preston said.
"I'm grateful to the venues already supporting the scheme and helping to keep our communities safe.
"Working together, we can make a real difference by helping to prevent drink driving at the outset - saving lives and helping people get home safely.”
Many venues are now part of the scheme:
• The Watch Office Bar & Kitchen, Emery Crescent, Alconbury Weald, PE28 4XA
• Tap and Grill @ The Farmers, 200 Broadway, Yaxley. PE7 3NT.
• The Lancaster Lounge, 152 Main Street, Yaxley. PE7 3LB
• Greystones, The Green, Sawtry. PE28 5ST.
• The Addison Arms, Sawtry Road, Glatton. PE28 5RZ.
• The Brewery Tap, 80 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 2AA
• Charters Bar, Town Bridge, Peterborough, PE1 1FP
• The Acre Pub, Acre Road, March. PE15 9JD
• Soham Town Rangers Football Club, Julius Martin Lane, Soham. CB7 5EQ
• The Mermaid Inn, High Street, Ellington. PE28 0AB
• Cinnamon Restaurant, 43 Breach Road, Grafham. PE28 0BA
• The Vine Inn, High Street, Buckden. PE19 5XA
• The Snooty Tavern, 12 The Green, Great Staughton, PE19 5DG
• The New Sun Inn, 20 High Street, Kimbolton. PE28 0HA
• The White Horse, High Street, Tilbrook. PE28 0JP
• White Hart, 2 Vinegar Hill, Alconbury Weston, PE28 4JA
The campaign encourages groups of friends to nominate a designated driver before heading out to the pub by offering free or discounted soft drinks as a thank you for not drinking and driving.
“There is simply no place for drink driving on Cambridgeshire's roads," PC AJ Boddington, casualty reduction officer at Cambridgeshire Police, said.
"Enforcement is a key part of our work, however, preventing offences before they happen is just as important.
"By encouraging customers to choose a designated driver, venues are helping discourage drink driving while reinforcing the message that road safety is everyone's responsibility."