POLICE forces have teamed up with a specialist car manufacturer to catch drink drivers during the Christmas period.
Essex Police is joining forces with five others to present a united cross border front in the battle against those who risk their and other people’s lives by driving drunk.
Squads will be patrolling the roads stopping and breathalysing as many people as possible throughout the day and night.
Chief Inspector Rachel Nolan said: "Essex Police’s message is to plan in advance how you are going to get home after a night out.
“If you intend to drink alcohol, leave the car at home and take public transport or pre book a taxi.
“If you are going out in a group, nominate a designated driver who will only drink soft drinks for the evening.
“Think about the consequences.
“Losing your licence means not only being unable to drive but could mean losing your job and then unable to pay your bills, not to mention the risk of being involved in an accident.”
The six forces have reinforced their joint stance by coming together with campaign partner Lotus Cars.
Lotus is working with the region’s police by providing a Lotus Evora S to help officers engage with drivers and spread the word about the fatal four driving behaviours - drink driving, speeding, no seatbelts and using mobile phones while behind the wheel.
The Evora will be used to engage and educate drivers and road users of all ages rather than as a regular patrol vehicle.
Aslam Farikullah, Chief Operating Officer for Group Lotus plc, said: “We build cars for people to enjoy driving safely so we are happy to be part of this initiative and hope that strong action like this saves lives and keeps our roads safe for everyone.”
Essex Police is working with forces in Norfolk, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire on road safety.
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