Pubs offering free drinks to drivers next month as police launch massive road crackdown

The scheme, which has been organised by the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership, aims to reward designated drivers for getting their friends and family home safely.

Throughout December, designated drivers are encouraged to let a bartender know they are a Lift Legend for the night.

When they purchase their first soft drink, they will receive a voucher for a free drink, with more than 260 establishments taking part.

Last year, more than 2,000 arrests were made for drink-driving in the South West of England, with Vision Zero aiming to prevent incidents over the Christmas period.

Between 2020 and 2024, 25 people were killed and a further 253 seriously injured in collisions where alcohol was a contributing factor.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is one of the "Fatal Five" causes of serious injuries and deaths on roads.

Adrian Leisk, Devon and Cornwall Police's Head of Road Safety, said it was "impossible to know exactly how many drinks will put you over the limit".

He added: "You can also be arrested even if you are under the prescribed limit if you are deemed not to be in proper control of your vehicle.

"The only way you can be absolutely sure that you are safe to drive is by not drinking at all beforehand.

"Have 'none for the road' and make the most of the free drinks being offered by our fantastic Lift Legend venues."

To coincide with the Lift Legend campaign, Devon and Cornwall Police are conducting Operation Limit to target drink and drug-driving.

More than 175 people were arrested by the increased patrols last year on suspicion of drink-driving.

Of the more than 260 pubs taking part in the scheme, 40 pubs and restaurants across Devon and Cornwall are operated by St Austell Brewery.

Andrew Turner, COO at St Austell Brewery, noted that designated drivers can take advantage of the offer on soft drinks, Thatchers zero per cent cider and Proper Job 0.5 per cent IPA.

Alison Hernandez, Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly, is also the chair of the Vision Zero South West road safety partnership.

She lamented that the consequences of drink-driving were still not clear to certain motorists who continue to break road rules.

Ms Hernandez added: "You can expect an automatic one-year driving ban, penalty points on your licence, a hefty fine and a criminal record.

"There's also the long-term impact to consider. If you drive for work, you could lose your job and your livelihood.

"Your insurance premiums will almost certainly increase and you may even have difficulty travelling to countries like the USA with a criminal conviction. It's just not worth it. Don't take the risk."