South Wales campaign celebrates designated drivers

South Wales Police has teamed up with more than a dozen pubs in the Cardiff area to launch its DES (Designated Driver) scheme.

Ahead of the busy Christmas period, the thirteen licensed premises will offer free draught soft drinks to designated drivers.

The aim of the scheme is to promote responsible drinking with road safety in mind.

Claire Dewhurst, South Wales Police licensing officer, said: “We all know it can sometimes be a burden being the designated driver but we are hopeful that this scheme will encourage more people to be aware of drink driving and the importance of being safe on the roads.”

The Vale of Glamorganshire Golf Club (pictured) was one of the first premises to sign up to the new scheme.

Russell Thomas, manager of the club, said: “We are delighted to be one of the first premises signed up to the ‘DES’ scheme.

“We wholeheartedly support South Wales Police’s efforts in promoting safe driving and hope our locals will too.”

Alongside the launch of the DES scheme, South Wales Police have also begun Operation Limit, which aims to reduce drink and drug driving and keep the roads safe.

In the first week of the operation, 21 people were arrested for drink drive offences and have been charged to the court system.