New drink-drive campaign launched

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Pub-goers are being encouraged to take public transport, rather than drink and drive, in the first part of a new campaign to tackle the problem.

"Drink or drive - you decide" aims to highlight the options available to people after a night out.

The initiative has been launched by the Drinkaware Trust, a charity which encourages responsible drinking.

Around 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured in Britain every year as a result of drinking and driving.

Kate Winstanley, director of campaigns and information at the Drinkaware Trust, said: "The vast majority of motorists know the dangers and obey the law - but a minority of irresponsible and reckless drivers are ignoring it.

"If you are planning on drinking when you go out, leave the car at home, and if you can't use public transport, designate a non-drinking driver."

The campaign is being backed by beer mats, posters and window stickers to remind drivers of the punishments available following a conviction for drink-driving.

A month-long campaign against drinking and driving by police forces in England and Wales during this year's football World Cup saw 10 per cent of drivers stopped either testing positive, or refusing or failing a breath test.