GET A BAND - NOT A BAN
Designated drivers celebrating the festive season in Bedford town centre this Christmas and New Year can ask for a wristband entitling them to free soft drinks.
The initiative has been developed as a collaboration between Bedford Borough Council, Bedfordshire Police and the Bedfordshire & Luton Fire and Rescue Service.
Washroom posters are being placed in all pubs and clubs supporting the scheme, also warning that if you are caught drink-driving you will be prosecuted like any other criminal.
Councillor Charles Royden, the Council's Portfolio Holder for Road Safety, said: "The aim is to help reduce the number of drink-related road collisions. If you are a designated driver, then you are acting responsibly, and we are delighted that pubs and clubs in Bedford are supporting the initiative to help improve safety for road users and pedestrians this Christmas.
"Soft drinks are often too expensive and provide little encouragement for people to choose as an alternative to alcohol. This scheme will reward designated drivers and encourage them not to drink alcohol during a night out. This is a great initiative."
More than 2,000 bright yellow wristbands will be available from door staff at participating pubs and clubs in Bedford, and also on Friday and Saturday nights from police officers attached to the Bedford Central Safer Neighbourhood Team who will be patrolling car parks.
The scheme, which is also being rolled out into Luton, launches on Saturday 27 November and runs until New Year's Eve.
The consequences of drink-driving are severe. You can expect:
a criminal record
A minimum 12-month driving ban − or a minimum three-year driving ban if you have a previous drink-driving conviction in the last 10 years
Potentially a spell in prison − up to six months
Potentially the imposing of a community order − this can include unpaid work, a curfew, supervision and treatment orders
A hefty fine − up to £5,000
The possibility of losing your job
Your lifestyle could change drastically
And your motor insurance premiums will be higher once you get your licence back.
The blood alcohol content drink-driving limit in the UK is 35 microgrammes of alcohol in 100 millilitres of breath, or 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood, or 107 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of urine.
But, said Chief Inspector Jane Aspin, from the Roads Policing Unit: "You can't accurately calculate your limit − so the only safe answer is don't drink and drive at all."
Police will be stepping up both high-visibility and covert patrols to catch drink-drivers in Bedford and the rest of the county, also using ANPR teams (automatic number plate recognition).
Chief Insp Aspin continued: "We take driving under the influence of drink or drugs extremely seriously. Our aim is to breathalyse more drivers than ever before during this campaign, and if you drive whilst over the limit it will only be a matter of time before you are caught.
"We are also using Bluetooth technology to send text messages to enabled mobile phones giving anti drink-drive messages."
Bedfordshire and Luton Fire and Rescue Service Northern Area Commander Tony Rogers said: "Fire crews rescue seven times as many people from wrecked cars as they do from burning buildings - so encouraging people to drive safely is important to our organisation."
To report anyone driving under the influence of drink or drugs, call 01234 841212, text to 07786 200011 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.