A new drink-driving campaign has been rolled out across Herefordshire and Worcestershire after gaining widespread support.

‘The Only One for the Road’ campaign is being fronted by Wenlock Spring, a water brand, in conjunction with West Mercia Police. 

The campaign is encouraging drivers not to risk driving even after just one alcoholic drink. 

Following the successful launch in Shropshire in October, it’s being rolled out in two more counties after being backed by local MP’s, businesses and organisations such as RoSPA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents).

In the last three years, 23 people have died and 154 have been seriously injured in collisions where alcohol has been listed as contributory factor across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire. 

Across the region, 156 people were arrested in the run up to Christmas 2022 for being over the limit behind the wheel. 

The director of Wenlock Spring, Matthew Orme, said: “Far too many people are still dying or getting injured as a result of drink-driving, which is why we’re proud to have launched this campaign to help support the operational activity that the police cover. 

“Highlighting the dangers of people getting behind the wheel after they have had a drink becomes even more important during the festive season, which is often a time when it is very easy for people to over-indulge. 

“Working with West Mercia Police, we are committed to changing people’s attitudes and remind them to think twice before picking up an alcoholic drink if they’re in charge of the keys. 

“We have been delighted with the support the campaign has received so far and it is great to see it being rolled out across the region even further.”

Superintendent for West Mercia Police, Steph Brighton, said: “It’s extremely frustrating that some motorists inexcusably still drive under the influence of alcohol.

“There is no foolproof way of calculating how much you can drink and remain under the limit, or knowing how much an individual person can drink and still drive safely.

“Any amount of alcohol can affect your ability to drive and there are numerous consequences of driving with alcohol in your system. 

“Enforcement already takes place 24/7 across the whole of our area in order to detect those who are willing to take the risk and to protect other road users. 

“We welcome campaigns such as this and hope that more people over the Christmas period choose a suitable alternative to alcohol if they are driving.”

Wenlock Spring and West Mercia Police are calling on hospitality businesses in Herefordshire and Worcestershire- such as pubs and hotels- to back the drink-drive message and encourage their customers to stay alcohol-free if they are driving.