Nottingham Police Crackdown on Festive Drink-Driving
Nottingham city centre saw a strong anti-drink-driving message blasted onto the streets last night. Police took no chances, setting up an interactive roadshow in Trinity Square to warn revellers about the deadly dangers of alcohol behind the wheel.
Beer Goggles and Breathalysers Hit the Streets
As part of the festive campaign, officers handed out distorting ‘beer goggles’ to show just how distorted your judgement becomes when drunk. Visitors also underwent breathalyser tests and were urged to watch a powerful interview with a local woman who lost her husband to a drunk van driver.
Inspector John Lees said: “It’s an issue we highlight throughout the year, but especially over the festive period because people tend to go to Christmas parties and they are maybe tempted to drink and drive.
“We want to send out the message that it is not safe, it is a crime and it affects people’s lives. It causes tragedies and we don’t want that to happen.”
Festive Campaign Rolls Out Across Nottinghamshire
The night marked the start of a series of events running through December, with more sessions at Trinity Square on 10th, 17th, and 23rd December between 6pm-8pm. Police, Special Constables, PCSOs, and East Midlands Ambulance volunteers will all be on hand to engage with the public.
Over 2,000 posters and 5,000 beermats have already been spread across Nottinghamshire pubs warning about drink-driving’s deadly consequences. Nottingham City Transport buses are also plastered with stark warnings, driving the message home across the city.
‘A Deadly Mix’ Campaign: Real Lives Impacted
Sergeant Shakeel Rasul, a campaign planner, said: “Every year we carry out proactive operations to catch those who put lives at risk by drink-driving. These operations are continuing but we also recognise the value in educating people and that is what this campaign is about.”
The campaign is backed by grieving wife Clair Osborne from Mansfield Woodhouse. Clair lost her husband in 2021 after a collision with a drunk driver. She urges everyone to plan their way home this festive season.
“If you’ve got work dos or Christmas parties planned, that’s the key word – planned. Plan your taxi, plan your lift home. If you’re driving and anybody tries to tempt you to have a drink, just ask yourself is it worth it?
“I have to see what it’s done to my children every day because someone decided to drink-drive.”
This Christmas, Nottinghamshire Police are stepping up to stop the deadly mix of booze and driving — but the real power to prevent tragedy lies with YOU.
