To tackle drink and drug driving during the festive period, local transport minister Lilian Greenwood recently joined Sussex Police on a drive along to see first hand how frontline enforcement teams are keeping roads safe this Christmas.
The minister met with chief constable Jo Shiner to take part in their annual seasonal crackdown on offenders, as part of ongoing collaboration between government, police forces and local partners to tackle dangerous driving behaviours.
Lilian Greenwood said: “No one should get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.
“This festive season, we’re working with police and well-known brands including Captain Morgan, Peroni and Heineken to remind drivers to make the right choice – and stick to non-alcoholic drinks – to make our roads safer for themselves and others.
“We’re determined to tackle this growing issue, to help make our communities safer and ease pressure on the NHS.”
Chief constable Jo Shiner is National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for roads policing. She said: “Driving under the influence of drink or drugs is selfish and incredibly dangerous, putting the lives of your passengers, other road users and yourself at risk.
“We’re pleased to be partnering with THINK! On their new campaign which is highly impactful and coordinates with our enhanced enforcement of drink and drug driving offences over the December period through Operation Limit.
The message is simple, do not get behind the wheel if you have been drinking or taking drugs. Make the right decision and together, we will save lives.”
The government has also teamed up with police enforcement operations and launched new adverts as part of its THINK! campaign, running online and out of home to target drug driving ‘hotspots’ across England and Wales using police data.
It is the first THINK! drug driving campaign in 10 years, a targeted, hard-hitting series of messages aimed at young male drivers, who remain disproportionately represented in drug-related road casualties. Latest figures show that around 90% of drivers impaired by drugs in collisions are male, with 4 in 10 aged between 17 and 30.
The minister also recently visited a pub in London to officially launch the Captain Morgan 0.0% x THINK! 0% ‘Captain of the Night’ campaign, spotlighting the importance of alcohol-free options for motorists. As part of the initiative, drivers will be offered a free Captain Morgan 0.0% and cola in selected Stonegate pubs nationwide.
The launch marks the continued and growing partnership between the government and major drinks brands to normalise 0% choices. Fronted by TV personality and radio presenter Sam Thompson, the first wave of the Captain Morgan partnership was designed to reach 17–24-year-old male drivers.
Both Heineken and Peroni have confirmed large-scale activations in the lead-up to Christmas to encourage drivers to choose their 0.0% products under the THINK! 0% banner.
These promotions follow THINK! 0% partnership activity delivered by both brands over the past year. Heineken will spotlight THINK! 0% messaging across its Star pubs, including on staff uniforms and via online advertising, and Peroni will team up with Greene King to share the THINK! 0% message via digital channels and promotions encouraging drivers to opt for 0%.
Ian Smith, corporate relations director at Diageo GB, said: “Diageo is committed to supporting safe and responsible choices, particularly at a time of year when the risks on our roads increase.
“Captain Morgan 0.0’s partnership with THINK! highlights our continued focus on not only providing people with great-tasting alcohol-free alternatives, but also showcases a clear message that if you are driving, 0.0% is the correct choice for everyone’s safety.”
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