‘Special’ campaign tackles drink and drug driving

A new campaign by the Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP)* offers a range of unpalatable ‘specials’ for anyone tempted to risk drink or drug driving over the forthcoming festive period.

The campaign posters have been produced in the style of a ‘specials’ boards as used by many pubs and bars to display their daily menu options. The range of ‘specials’ on offer includes disqualification from driving, a massive fine, potential imprisonment and reduced job prospects.

Along with the posters, some bars, pubs and nightclubs are using campaign-specific beer mats and bar runners to help deliver the message of ‘no excuse for drink or drug driving’. The campaign also includes a radio ad, messages delivered on car park tickets, and a series of public engagement events in towns and cities across Essex.

Essex Police, one of SERP’s partners, are also encouraging the public to report anyone they know who regularly drinks or takes drugs and drives.

The campaign, which will run until 4 January 2016, is part of the SERP ‘No excuse for poor driving’ umbrella campaign which is used to deliver a wide range of road safety messages covering issues including seat belts, mobile phones, speed limits and anti-social driving/riding, as well as drink or drug driving.

Nicola Foster, Chair of SERP, said: “Drink and drug driving are year round issues but we are using the festive period to remind drivers of their responsibilities, and the penalties if they are caught.

“Essex Police will be out in force during December and early January, and anyone who takes a chance by driving over the legal limit is very likely to be caught and arrested.

“As well as the personal consequences highlighted in our campaign, drivers should realise that their chances of being involved in a collision increase dramatically after drinking alcohol or taking any form of drug, which can include prescription medication.”

SERP*
The Safer Essex Roads Partnership (SERP) has brought together the three local authority areas of Essex County Council, Southend-on-Sea Borough Council and Thurrock Council to provide a road safety service across ‘Greater Essex’. The other SERP partners are Essex Police, Essex Fire and Rescue Service, Highways England and The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance Trust.