Hampshire makes stand against 'influenced' driving

Hampshire County Council has begun its campaign to increase road safety and emphasise the dangers of alcohol whilst on the road.

Across the county, the slogan "You drink, I'll drive" is being used on taxis to encourage drivers to think before driving.

Thirty-two taxis are to promote the logo, covering places such as Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover, Aldershot and Farnborough among others.

The County Council has started the campaign, which runs from 30th November for six weeks, following Road Safety Week set up by the charity, Brake.

According to the charity, in 2007 at least 15,935 people had been killed or injured in the UK by drivers who had been under the influence.

Mel Kendal, County Councillor and the Executive Member for the Environment said: " The message is simple, don’t drive if you have been drinking alcohol or taking any prescribed drugs that could affect your ability to drive safely in any way.”

The penalties for breaking the law is this way are clear. £5000 fine, banned from driving for up to a year and a 6-month prison sentence. Causing death by dangerous driving can result in a 14-year prison sentence.

Of Hampshire Constabulary’s Roads Policing unit, Sergeant John Dainton claimed: "If you’re foolish enough to drive under the influence, the chances are you will be caught."