Vale Royal Community Safety Partnership

That is the question at the forefront of a thought-provoking drink and drug driving campaign being led by Cheshire agencies this festive season.

Cheshire Police and partners are using a marked police car, an ambulance, a taxi and a hearse – complete with coffin – to get the message across that driving while under the influence of drink or drugs can lead to tragedy.

Hard-hitting posters emblazoned with the key question, Who Will Be Taking You Home Tonight? Featuring the four vehicles, have been produced as part of the campaign and over the coming weeks members of the public will see publicity material appearing all across the county.

This year’s efforts are aimed at making people fully aware of the severe consequences of getting behind the wheel whilst unfit through drink or drugs.

Cheshire Police’s Assistant Chief Constable David Baines said: “"Drink driving and drug driving are two of the major reasons for road deaths in this country. Every year people of all ages make a choice to drive after consuming alcohol and/or drugs.

“This decision is often the last one they make or the one they most regret, when after colliding with an innocent party they are prosecuted and face a prison sentence. This year we are asking the question "Who will be taking you home tonight?" in the hope that this simple phrase will encourage people to think before they make that decision.

“To reinforce the message Cheshire Police will carry out a rigorous testing campaign for both alcohol and drugs. Last year this area was in the top five nationally for the number of tests carried out and we aim to do even more this year. The message should be clear if you take the risk you stand a very good chance of being stopped, arrested and prosecuted, don't choose the hearse, the ambulance or the police car."

The “Who Will Be Taking you Home Tonight?” theme is being used by police forces and partner agencies all across the region in support of the Government’s drug/drink drive campaign and official launch events have been taking place today (Nov 27) all across the North West.

Cheshire, Halton and Warrington’s event took place at Birchwood Shopping Centre in Warrington where the four vehicles featured in the campaign publicity material were lined up side by side.

Representatives from agencies including Cheshire Police, Cheshire County Council and the borough councils of Halton & Warrington, were also present handing out information and raising awareness of the dangers of drink and drug driving.

Richard Nickson, Cheshire County Council’s Chief Road Safety Engineer, said: “This is a regionally coordinated campaign with all five North West police forces conducting similar campaigns at the same time. I hope this sends out the message that wherever you travel, if you take the risk and drive having consumed alcohol or drugs, there is a significant chance that you will be stopped.

“This work has the potential to save lives and I urge everyone to do their bit by sorting out alternative transport beforehand if they know they are going to be unfit to drive. If everyone takes this responsibility and encourage their friends to do the same, Cheshire’s roads will be a lot safer this Christmas and New Year.”

Work by agencies to raise awareness of the drink/drug driving issue will be supported by a police enforcement campaign which will involve drivers being tested at the roadside for alcohol and drugs if they are suspected of being unfit to drive.

Don't Drink & Drive

Who Will Be Taking You Home Tonight?