Drink drivers could lose cars

14 June 2013

The Department for Transport (DfT) has launched a new £740,000 THINK! drink-drive campaign involving radio adverts, pub posters and an online film which is intended to raise awareness among drivers about the consequences of a conviction.

The campaign is being launched alongside plans by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to carry out extra checks on motorists over the summer with ACPO lead for roads policing.

Launching the campaign, road safety minister Stephen Hammond said, "Drink driving is a menace and drivers should be clear that if you get behind the wheel over the limit this summer, you will lose your licence, get a criminal record, and face a fine – you could even end up in jail. The findings of this poll are clear: drivers love their cars and a drink driving conviction would not only leave a massive hole in their pockets, it would leave a massive hole in their lives.

The AA's Edmund King, added, "AA/Populus research shows that one third of drivers are happiest behind the wheel of a car, whilst one third rely on their car to maintain their relationships. It's not just freedom of the road drivers lose by drink-driving – it's freedom, full-stop. Even if drink driving doesn't end in a crash, it is likely to lead to a separation from the car for at least 12 months if caught. If you are going to drive, don't drink and if you are going to drink, don't drive."