WITH World Cup fever just around the corner, sporting stars will today use their high-profile status in a bid to help cut the carnage on Essex roads caused by drink driving.

By Sharon Asplin

WITH World Cup fever just around the corner, sporting stars will today use their high-profile status in a bid to help cut the carnage on Essex roads caused by drink driving.

Colchester United Football Club, Essex County Cricket Club and Essex cricketers Darren Gough and Ronnie Irani will be the public faces behind this year's summer drink-drive campaign in the county.

Nearly one in six of all deaths on the roads involve drivers who are over the legal alcohol limit and this year's campaign by the newly-formed Essex Casualty Reduction Board is targeting primarily 17 to 29-year-old males.

It will be aimed specifically at those who may want to enjoy a drink during the World Cup, which kicks off in June.

Rodney Bass, Essex County Council cabinet member for highways and transportation and chairman of the new board, said: “Statistics show that on average 3,000 people are killed or seriously injured each year in drink-drive collisions nationwide.

“During festivals and events like the football World Cup, there will be an increase in alcohol consumption which is likely to have a direct correlation with drink-driving incidents.

“Drink-driving occurs across a wide range of age groups but is particularly high among young men aged 17 to 29, who are also likely to be keen sports supporters.

“Whether fans support Colchester United, or just love football, the backing of some of our county's key sporting heroes is likely to drive the point home to many residents and we are delighted to have Colchester United and Essex County Cricket Club on board.”

Chief Inspector Tom Diment, of Essex Police, added: “The campaign is intended to make the roads safer. Drinking and driving is a criminal offence for which persons can and will be arrested. This also applies to people who drive whilst under the influence of drugs.

“It is hoped that people will take note of the campaigns and as a consequence not drive after having consumed alcohol.

“We will not stop hammering home this message until we are convinced that the minority who flout the law have sat up and taken note.”

Throughout the summer months, police officers will be actively enforcing the drink-drive laws and will take action against anyone found to be over the legal limit.

In addition, the campaign will be supported by posters which will be displayed in washrooms in clubs and pubs throughout the county.

Licensing officers throughout Essex will be working to promote the drink-drive campaign to all pubs and clubs across the county.

The Essex Football Association has agreed to promote and distribute all literature and posters to all football clubs in Essex.

Essex County Council road safety officers will also be working closely with Stansted Airport to promote the message of the drink-drive campaign, as Stansted will be one of the airports used to fly to the World Cup.

The official launch takes place today at the Colchester United Football Club.

Next Wednesday, the campaign will be launched for mid-Essex at Essex County Cricket Club, Chelmsford. Essex cricketers Darren Gough and Ronnie Irani will be attending.