Fears taxi shortage could lead to people accepting lifts from strangers this Christmas
Devon & Cornwall Police have unveiled their annual Christmas driving safety campaign - with a focus on not trusting unregulated people on the internet who offer lifts home in return for money
Last updated 1st Dec 2021
Devon & Cornwall Police are worried a shortage of taxi drivers over the festive period could result in people using unlicensed drivers - who advertise on the internet.
Superintendent Adrian Leisk, from the roads policing team, said: “It is vital we do all we can to ensure anyone on a night out is able to get home safely.
"Our new initiative aims to encourage those heading out for the night to plan who is going to be their 'Lift Legend'.
“It is also important to remember that you shouldn’t seek out lifts from those you don’t know or who aren’t licenced such as through social media networks. Only get into a vehicle with someone you know and trust."
“During last year’s Christmas campaign, officers in Devon and Cornwall carried out 1,348 breath tests and charged 163 people with a drink drive-related offence.
Drink and drug driving still accounts for 15 per cent of road deaths and almost 10,000 casualties nationally each year - despite long-term reductions in the figures.
The 'Lift Legend' scheme sees designated drivers able to receive a voucher for a free soft drinks by participating venues.
Officers will also be carrying out intelligence-led fixed site checks, as well as engaging with motorists on the risks of getting behind the wheel after a drink.
Superintendent Adrian Leisk added: “Alcohol and drugs impair many of the functions necessary for safe driving; reaction times and spatial awareness are affected significantly.
"This may still be the case the morning after, depending on how much alcohol is consumed the night before and when you stopped drinking.
“If police think you are unfit to drive through consumption of alcohol, even if your breath test registers lower than the prescribed limit of 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath, you can still be arrested and may be charged with an offence. In short, you do not have to be drunk to be a drink driver. Don’t risk it.
“It’s not just you that’s at risk. You could kill or seriously injure another person. Drink driving destroys people’s lives and those of their families. Avoiding this happening is as simple as planning ahead, leaving the car at home, and using a taxi, public transport or designated driver to get home.”
St Austell Brewery is getting behind the campaign across its 38 venues across Devon and Cornwall.
Kevin Georgel, Chief Executive of St Austell Brewery, said: “It’s incredibly important to us that our customers across the South West are able to enjoy themselves and celebrate Christmas with their loved ones, whether they’re driving to our sites or not.
“Pubs are the heart of responsible socialising, so we’re delighted to be taking part in the Lift Legend campaign throughout the festive season. What better way to reward those who are driving their friends and family than with a soft drink, mocktail or alcohol-free beer or cider on the house?”
Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is chairman of the Vision Zero South West board as well as the national APCC lead for road safety, said: “Drink driving is completely unacceptable – it puts the driver, passengers and innocent members of the public at substantial risk. Those found guilty of this crime face losing their license and even going to prison, which could cost you your job and livelihood.
“This doesn’t just apply to people who are on a big night out, those driving the morning after a few drinks could also unexpectedly be over the limit and unfit to drive.
“The good news is there have never been more alternatives to drinking and driving. Jump in a taxi, Uber, bus, train or call a friend or relative for a lift. There’s also a huge variety of great-tasting, non-alcoholic drinks available so why not ditch the booze and be a Lift Legend for the night?
“Please don’t make this Christmas a time to remember for all the wrong reasons.”