Alcohol Concern welcomes government’s drink drive campaign

1st December 2005

Commenting in response to the launch of the government?s Christmas drink drive campaign, Geethika Jayatilaka, Director of Policy and Public Affairs at Alcohol Concern, said:

?We welcome the Government?s drink drive warning, which comes at a crucial time of year when, inevitably, people will be going out drinking more than usual.

Previous campaigns to reduce drink-drive offences at Christmas have been successful however we must all guard against complacency. The last few years have see a small rise in the death toll caused by drink driving, each of which of course is a tragedy for an individual, their families and friends, and which must act as a reminder of the need to remain vigilant on this issue.

With the introduction of larger pub measures and stronger alcohol content of many drinks, some pub-goers will unwittingly be drinking more than perhaps intended and will be unaware of the risks in doing so. It?s impossible to work out if you?re over or under the limit so the safest bet for anyone driving is to not drink at all.

We?d like to see the legal limit for driving reduced from 80 mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood to 50mg of alcohol per 100 ml of blood, with more publicity in on and off licenses and enforcement of these levels all year round.

Crucially, we want to see the drinks trade step up to the bar and play their part in reducing the damage done by drinking too much, including lowering their soft drink prices and putting a stop to irresponsibly cheap drinks promotions.?

ENDS


Note to Editors


For all enquiries, please contact the Alcohol Concern Press Office on 020 7928 7377 or email press@alcoholconcern.org.uk. For out of hours press enquiries, please call 07866 063013.

Alcohol Concern is the national agency on alcohol misuse. We work to reduce the incidence and cost of alcohol-related harm and to increase the range and quality of services available to people with alcohol-related problems and their families.

Date: 01 December 2005