Police launch stark drink-drive campaign at Barons Quay

Cheshire Police's Christmas road safety campaign, called Who’s Taking You Home?, highlights the kinds of transport revellers could find themselves using over the holidays – a taxi, a police car, an ambulance, or even a hearse. 

The vehicles were all on display at the launch at Barons Quay on Thursday, November 21, where police were joined by Cheshire Fire and Rescue officers and Northwest Ambulance Service staff, to drive home this year’s road safety message to the public.

Throughout December, the campaign will aim to raise awareness of the consequences of drink and drug driving, as well as pushing the message police will enforce the law against anyone caught driving under the influence.

There were various modes of transport on display at Barons Quay, including a taxi, an ambulance, a police car, and a hearse (Image: Cheshire Police) Speaking at the launch, Inspector Anton Sullivan of the Cheshire Roads and Crime Unit said: “It’s about people just being responsible and safe.

“We want people to ask themselves, what choice are you going to make for getting home?

“A taxi, a police car, an ambulance, or worst of all, a hearse.

“On the run up to the festive season, people go out and enjoy themselves with work, family, and friends.

“This is fine, but they need to remember they have a responsibility to themselves, their friends, family, and to the public in particular, when they’re using vehicles.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s prevention station manager, Ryan Swindles, engaging with members of the public over the risks of drink and drug driving (Image: Cheshire Police) “This includes the following day.

“If you do have an accident while driving after drinking or taking drugs, it’s not just the families, friends, and colleagues of the victims who are affected.

“It will also affect you, and your family and friends.

“Don’t sit there Googling, ‘what’s a safe amount for me to drink?’. If that is how you’re managing your risk, you’re doing the wrong thing.

“We will take a zero-tolerance approach to people who behave that way.

“The minute you have drink, you will be impaired. The law just sets a bar for what that degree of impairment is before you’re prosecuted.

“Even if you have a collision which isn’t your fault, we will still test all the drivers for alcohol and drugs, and we will take a very robust approach to prosecution.”

In 2023, more then 2,300 people were arrested for either drink or drug driving in Cheshire, with more than ten per cent of those arrests occurring over the festive period.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service’s prevention station manager, Ryan Swindles, said: “Over Christmas, there’s an increase in collisions due to the weather, but also drink driving.

“We have a big issue with accidents caused by people who’ve drank the night before, and don’t understand how many units they’ve had.

“People need to be aware of the ripple effect when they decide to drive while under the influence or alcohol.

“I’ve been in the service 23 years, and I’ve seen people die and suffer life-changing injuries because of this.

“Before you drive, ask yourself what the ripple effect of that decision would be.

“What happens if you lose your licence? What happens if you seriously injure someone?

"People need to pre-plan. Book a taxi, or use a designated driver."