A newly-launched drink-driving campaign is being rolled out across Herefordshire and Worcestershire after gaining widespread support.
Called ‘The Only One for the Road’, the campaign is being fronted by premium water brand Wenlock Spring in conjunction with West Mercia Police and is encouraging drivers not to risk even one alcoholic drink if they are driving.
Following a successful launch in Shropshire in October, it is now being rolled out across two further counties after receiving support from local MPs, businesses and organisations such as RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).
In the last three years, 23 people have died and 154 have been seriously injured in collisions where alcohol has been listed as a contributory factor across Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
Across the region, 156 people were arrested in the run up to last Christmas for being over the limit whilst behind the wheel.
Matthew Orme, director at Shropshire-based Wenlock Spring, which has got customers across Herefordshire and Worcestershire, said: “Far too many people are still dying or getting injured as a result of drink-driving, which is why we’re proud to have launched this campaign to help support the operational activity that the police cover.
“Highlighting the dangers of people getting behind the wheel after they have had a drink becomes even more important during the festive season, which is often a time when it is very easy for people to over-indulge.
“Working with West Mercia Police, we are committed to changing people’s attitudes and remind them to think twice before picking up an alcoholic drink if they’re in charge of the keys.
“We have been delighted with the support the campaign has received so far and it is great to see it being rolled out across the region even further.”
Superintendent Steph Brighton, for West Mercia Police, said: “It’s extremely frustrating that some motorists inexcusably still drive under the influence of alcohol.
“There is no foolproof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.
“Any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol in your system.
“Enforcement already takes place 24/7 across the whole of our area in order to detect those who are willing to take the risk and to protect other road users.
“We welcome campaigns such as this and hope that more people over the Christmas period choose a suitable alternative to alcohol if they are driving.”
Wenlock Spring and West Mercia Police are calling on hospitality businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire – such as pubs and hotels – to back the drink-drive message and encourage their customers to stay alcohol-free if they are driving.
With freshly-liveried delivery vans making the point clear, Wenlock Spring has also printed more than 100,000 beer mats, posters and tent cards with the sobering message for drivers to steer clear of alcohol.
Any businesses wishing to support the campaign and download one of the posters can visit https://www.wenlockspring.co.uk/home.
Wenlock Spring is a second generation family business based at Wolverton, near Church Stretton, and its water is sourced from a protected historic spring, dating back to 1086 which is located near the famous Wenlock Edge.
The water filters naturally through the rock strata – giving it its unique blend of minerals, including calcium and selenium.
