The Peterborough pubs offering free soft drinks to designated drivers this summer
As the summer holidays begin, the battle to stop drink drivers across Peterborough and Cambridgeshire has begun.
With fears that the hot, sunny weather may see a rise in drink driving, the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Police and Crime Commissioner Darryl Preston is supporting the I Am Des scheme.
The campaign encourages pubs to offer designated drivers free or reduced cost soft drinks.
So far, Mr Preston said that Charters and the Brewery Tap are the only Peterborough pubs to have signed up to take part.
The scheme was set up to help people plan ahead allowing them to make safer choices and prevent drink driving, ultimately reducing casualties and road deaths.
It is being supported through the Commissioner’s Road Safety Fund has been successful in previous years and continues being delivered in partnership with Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership - Vision Zero, Huntingdonshire and Cambridge Business Against Crime's (HCBAC) countywide Pub Watch scheme, and Licensed premises across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.
So far, more than 30 venues across the county have signed up, demonstrating a shared commitment to road safety and supporting responsible choices.
Mr Preston said: “Every death or serious injury on our roads is one too many, and preventing these tragedies is at the heart of our Vision Zero ambition.
"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.
"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.”
Cambridgeshire Constabulary’s Casualty Reduction Officer Adrian Boddington, whose post is also funded by the Commissioner said: “There is simply no place for drink driving on Cambridgeshire's roads.
"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."
If you own or work at a pub or licensed venue and would like to take part, or have any questions about the scheme, contact [email protected].