Christchurch Council campaign urges partygoers to plan ahead

4 November 2013

Council campaign urges partygoers to plan ahead

Christchurch City Council is reminding drivers to plan before they party with the launch of its road safety alcohol campaign today.

The partnership “Avoid Drink Driving – Plan Ahead” campaign by the Council and New Zealand Police, encourages partygoers to plan their transport before going out drinking.

The campaign has two facets – a city-wide promotion in bars and bottle-shops and a street side approach with students handing out information at Police checkpoints.

Council Acting Manager Asset and Network Planning, Ron Clarke says, “With the warmer weather and increase in the city’s upcoming social events this is the perfect time to remind the community about road safety. This partnership campaign encourages all drivers to think ahead and organise alternative transport if they will be consuming alcohol.”

This year’s campaign has been extended to liquor outlets and bars across the city instead of just the popular party suburbs of Riccarton, Hornby, Addington and Merivale.

Promotional posters, coasters, bottle bags and bathroom mirror decals will be printed with the campaign message and distributed around the venues.

Kicking off in time for New Zealand Cup and Show Week, the promotion will continue until just before Christmas then resume again next year, coinciding with the annual student Orientation week.

Roadside action will see members of the Students Against Driving Drunk (SADD) group hand out wallet sized information cards during early evening Police breath testing checkpoints.

Reinforcing the ‘plan ahead’ message, the cards include local taxi numbers, information on blood alcohol levels and a “text to win” competition for a free taxi ride home the following weekend.

Road Policing Manager Inspector Al Stewart says, “The focus on early evening checkpoints is aimed at reminding drivers of the importance to get transport sorted before attending night events that may involve consuming alcohol.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media