Maldon publicans, Essex Police and Maldon District Council have joined forces to launch an anti-drink drive campaign.

The 'I'll Be Des' campaign, which runs from now until January 2 is aimed at drivers visiting pubs and each group of drinkers are advocated to designate a driver 'Des' who will remain alcohol free for the night.

Several participating pubs will supply free soft drinks for the nominated driver.

Peter Layzell, community safety officer for Maldon District Council said: "Seven people were fatally injured and over 300 people suffered injuries in road accidents on roads in this district during the last year.

"Despite all of the warnings a significant percentage of the drivers in these accidents had a blood alcohol level which was higher than the legal limit. A designated driver scheme allows party-goers to enjoy themselves without the risk of a fatal conclusion to the evening."

Chairman of the Maldon Licensed Victuallers Association, Stan Ifield said members were fully behind the scheme and his Ship and Anchor pub in the High Street, Maldon is one of the pubs offering free soft drinks to designated drivers, although at other pubs it will be at the discretion of the landlord.

He added: "The last thing we want is for our customers to drink and drive. The outlying publicans in the Dengie rely on people driving there so the last thing they need are people losing their licences."

The campaign has been produced by the Portman Group and posters and leaflets are available at participating pubs. A similar scheme is also being run in Chelmsford.

By Amanda Brandon

Reporter's e-mail: amanda.brandon@essex-chronicle.co.uk

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