Cambridgeshire venues sign up to police drink-drive campaign

As part of the campaign, police are promoting the ‘I’m DES’ scheme where participating venues give free or discounted draught soft drinks to designated drivers.

The initiative, led by the Vision Zero Road Safety Partnership, aims to reduce the number of road collisions caused by drink-driving during the festive period.

A total of 41 venues have signed up to the scheme this year, together with a further 14 venues in neighbouring counties.

To participate in the scheme running throughout December, people need to let staff in participating venues know they are the designated driver and, if asked, to show their car keys.

PC Nick Southern, the force’s casualty reduction officer, said: “We’re pleased to see so many pubs and venues supporting the ‘I’m DES’ campaign this year.

“Some are offering free drinks, but this isn’t sustainable for everyone. This year with financial pressures it’s been very tough for pubs and restaurants, but we are so grateful that they are on board and their support will go a long way in keeping drink drivers off our roads.

“We would encourage people to take advantage of the scheme and help us make the roads of Cambridgeshire safer for everyone.

“Even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving ability. If you’re drinking, even just one, we advise you to arrange another way of getting home.”

PC Southern urged people to remember that alcohol takes time to leave your system and you may still be over the drink drive limit the following morning.

He added: “Before you get behind the wheel please think – is it worth the risk? Consider a designated driver system or make sure to book taxis in advance to avoid the temptation to drive home while potentially over the limit.

“This includes people doing everyday activities such as driving to work, doing the school run, popping to the shops or going to see friends.

“Please do not gamble with your life and be aware of the danger you pose by getting behind the wheel while under the influence. It’s really not worth taking the chance.”

People can help make the roads of Cambridgeshire safer for everyone by confidentially reporting others they suspect of driving while under the influence of drink or drugs.

The force’s dedicated, confidential hotline: 0800 032 0845 is available 24/7. If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Calls to the hotline nearly tripled after the force’s festive campaign last year, with five calls in November compared to 13 calls in December. Throughout 2022, there was a total of 119 calls to the hotline. 

For more information about drink or drug driving, the law and the dangers it can cause, visit the force's dedicated web page.

A full list of participating venues is below:

·         The Six Six Bar (Cambridge)

·         The King Street Run (Cambridge)

·         The Empress (Cambridge)

·         The Dumpling Tree (Cambridge)

·         Tall Trees (Cambridge)

·         The Greyhound (Sawston)

·         The Three Horseshoes (Comberton)

·         The Plough (Coton)

·         The White Horse (Swavesey)

·         The White Horse (Milton)

·         The Lion & Lamb (Milton)

·         The Brewery Tap (Waterbeach)

·         The Carlton Arms (Cambridge)

·         West End House (Ely)

·         The Fountain (Soham)

·         The Vine (Buckden)

·         The White Horse (St Neots)

·         The White Hart (St Ives)

·         Seven Wives (St Ives)

·         The Three Horseshoes (Houghton)

·         The White Hart (Warboys)

·         The Rose & Crown (Somersham)

·         The Stukeley Country Hotel (Huntingdon)

·         The Black Bull (Brampton)

·         The Axe & Compass (Huntingdon)

·         The Black Bull (Godmanchester)

·         The White Hart (Godmanchester)

·         The Royal Oak (Godmanchester)

·         The Exhibition (Godmanchester)

·         The Black Horse (Melbourn)

·         The Blues Restaurant & Bar (Wisbech)

·         Taco Bell (Cambridge)

·         Hidden Rooms (Cambridge)

·         Lola Lo (Cambridge)

·         The White Inn (Barton, South Cambs)

·         Angels (Peterborough)

·         Vinyl (Cambridge)

·         The Carpenters Arms (Great Wilbraham)

·         The Old Bridge (Huntingdon)     

·         The Rupert Brooke, (Grantchester)

·         The Three Backbirds (Wood Ditton)