Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service launches drink-driving campaign with pubs in Rutland to keep people safe on the roads this Christmas and New Year

Oakham firefighters have teamed up with pubs, bars and restaurants in a bid to make the roads safer this Christmas.

Eight businesses from Rutland will take part in the scheme which encourages motorists to be a designated driver on a night out.

To avoid drink-driving, free soft drinks will be given to anyone who refrains from drinking alcohol and chooses to drive their friends and family home safely.

Crew manager Adam Johnson said: “Drink-driving is dangerous and puts people’s lives at risk. We are working with our local community to help make our roads safer, by rewarding those that choose to drive home safely instead of drinking alcohol.

“We are so pleased the local community are on board with this scheme and helping to make this happen.

“If you are going out, we want you to celebrate safely, but in order to stay safe, we recommend that you nominate a non-drinking designated driver for the evening. It’s a much safer alternative to drink-driving.”

The scheme will run from now until to New Year’s Day at Barnsdale Lodge, The Crown Tavern, Wildwood, Wisteria Hotel and Mill Street Pub and Kitchen in Oakham, The Old Plough and The Blue Ball in Braunston and The Noel in Whitwell.

Some venues have restrictions on the number of drinks offered.

To claim free soft drinks, the designated drivers will need to mention the Facebook post from Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service when they go to the bar. It is viewable at www.facebook.com/LFRSOakham

Dominic Way, from The Blue Ball at Braunston, said: “It is an excellent idea and we fully support the Leicestershire Fire and Rescue Service drink-driving campaign.”