Three Peterborough bars offering free or discounted soft drinks to drivers this December in bid to tackle drink driving
Three Peterborough pubs will be offering free soft drinks to drivers this December in a bid to tackle drink driving in the run up to Christmas.
The Brewery Tap, The Shed and The Bottle and Board are all taking part in the I’m Des scheme.
In total, 43 pubs and bars in Cambridgeshire are taking part – the most ever.
The initiative, led by Huntingdon Business Against Crime through the Vision Zero Road Safety Partnership and funded by the Police and Crime Commissioner, aims to reduce the number of road collisions caused by drink driving during the festive period.
To take part in the December scheme, people need to let staff in participating venues know they are the designated driver and, if asked, to show their car keys.
PCC Darryl Preston said: “There is never an excuse for drink driving. As drivers, it is important to remember that we all have a shared responsibility to keep road users safe and prevent more families from unnecessary tragedies. I am grateful for the support of licensed premises for their ongoing efforts to promote a safer culture on our roads.”
PC Adrian Boddington, Cambridgeshire Police’s casualty reduction officer, added: “We’re pleased to see pubs and venues are still keen to support the I’m DES campaign this year and I thank them for that.
“Enjoy your Christmas, don’t ruin yours or someone else’s.”
Last year 72 people were arrested on suspicion of drink or drug driving across Cambridgeshire in December.
The average age of those arrested was 36, with a range starting from 19 all the way up to 73 – showing that alcohol affects everyone, and anyone can be caught out.
Officers will be carrying out roadside checks across the county as a month-long campaign runs this festive period.
PC Boddington said: “Whatever your plans for Christmas are, include how you are getting home in them. Don’t be tempted to take the risk, have a plan and stick to it. Drink and drug driving is a choice, your choice.
“Consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance, so there is no temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit. Before you get behind the wheel please think – is it really worth the risk?
“I’d also like to remind people that they can help us make our roads safer by reporting others they suspect of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.
“We have a dedicated hotline, and all calls are taken in confidence. One call could save a life.”
The hotline - 0800 032 0845 - is available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
The full list of Cambridgeshire pubs and bars taking part in the I’m Des scheme:
The Falcon Tavern, 10 Market Hill, Huntingdon PE29 3NJ
Sandford House, George St, Huntingdon PE29 3BD
The Montagu Club, 14 Hartford Road, Huntingdon, PE29 3QD
The Commemoration Hall, 39 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3AQ
The George Hotel, George Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3AB
Olmo Lounge, 122 High Street, Huntingdon, PE29 3LG
White Hart, 2 Vinegar Hill, Alconbury Weston, PE28 4JA
The Watch Office Bar &Kitchen, Emery Crescent, Alconbury Weald, PE28 4XA
Comrades Club, Godmanchester, Huntingdon, PE29 2AY
The Market Inn, Market Hill, Huntingdon, PE29 3NJ
Revolution Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambridge, CB2 3DS
MASH, 15 Market Passage, Cambridge, CB2 3PF
KIKI, 3 Guildhall Chambers, Guildhall Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AE
The Eltisley, 2 The Green, Eltisley, St Neots, PE19 6TG
The Bell Inn, Newmarket Road, Kennett, CB8 7PP
Hidden Rooms Cocktail Lounge, 7b Jesus Lane, Cambridge, CB5 8BA
The Lab, 90 Regent Street, Cambridge, CB3 1DP
Boom Battle Bar, 36 St Andrew's Street, Cambridge, CB2 3AR
The Portland Arms, 120 Chesterton Road, Cambridge, CB4 3BA
The Alexandra Arms, 22 Gwydir Street, Cambridge. CB1 2LL
The Castle Inn, 36 Castle Street, Cambridge. CB3 0AJ
The Hudson's Ale House, 77 High Street, Trumpington, Cambridge.CB2 9HZ
The Snug, Free Church Passage, 3 The Mill, St. Ives PE27 5AY
Floods Tavern, 27 The Broadway, St. Ives PE27 5BX
Burgess Hall, One Leisure, Westwood Rd, St. Ives, PE27 6WU
Out Out, 29 The Broadway, St Ives PE27 5BX
The Pike and Eel, Overcote Lane, Needingworth, St Ives, PE27 4TW
The Swan and Angel, 8/9 Market Hill, St Ives, PE27 5AL
The Lounge, 14 The Broadway, St Ives, PE27 5BN
The Royal Oak, 13 Crown Street, St Ives, PE27 5EB
The Seven Wives, Ramsey Road, St Ives, PE27 5RF
Oliver Cromwell, Wellington Street, St Ives, PE27 5AZ
Slepe Hall, Ramsey Road, St Ives, PE27 5RB
The Taproom, 23 Bridge Street, St Ives, PE27 5EH
Pig 'N' Falcon, 9 New St, St. Neots PE19 1AE
River Mill Pub, School Lane, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8GW
The Hyde Park, 46 New Street, St Neots, PE19 8GW
The George and Dragon, 267 Great North Road, Eaton Socon, St Neots, PE19 8BL
The Anchor, High St, Little Paxton, St. Neots PE19 6HA
The Weeping Ash, 15 New Street, St Neots, PE19 1AE
The Brewery Tap, 80 Westgate, Peterborough, PE1 2AA
The Shed, Unit 2, Sand Martin House, Bittern Way, Peterborough, PE2 8TY
Bottle and Board, 11 Wentworth Street, Peterborough. PE1 1DH