This Is Guernsey

By Nick Mann

The summer drink-drive campaign launch. L-R Chief Inspector Ruari Hardy, PC Andy Simon, Peter Grange of Offshore International Advertising, and Alcohol Strategy co-ordinator Andrea Nightingale

ATTEMPTS to launch the summer anti drink-drive campaign with a bang failed on Saturday. A planned fly-by from a plane towing a giant banner was called off after it suffered a technical fault.

The hiccup came as increasing concerns were being raised about the cost of the stunt and its effectiveness. The campaign is a partnership between Guernsey Police, advertising agency Offshore International and the Drug and Alcohol Strategy.

Despite requests from the Guernsey Press, the exact cost of the flight has not been released. Offshore responded: ‘This year’s summer and Christmas campaigns will be implemented within the same budget used in previous years due to the advertising agency providing its services for free along with additional media space.’

Airads, based in Kent, offers an entry level package for a 32-character banner of £350 an hour, plus VAT.

John Boalch, 70, is one who has questioned the idea.

‘I think it’s a complete waste of money. Sending a plane around must cost thousands. If they have that kind of money it would be better to use it to employ another policeman. I think they could use the placards again instead of going for this. Who’s going to look up at the sky at this plane, especially if they are drink-driving?’

The plane set to carry the banner with an anti drink-drive message took off from the south of England at lunchtime on Saturday.

Its air speed monitor failed so it turned back.

Organisers hope the flight will happen in the next few weeks.

But the campaign has started.

Running throughout July and August, it will be backed by a zero-tolerance approach by the police and island-wide random breath tests.

More than 60 pubs, clubs and restaurants will also be featuring anti-drink-drive campaign messages, which have the tagline: ‘Just think… how much could that drink cost you?’

A page on Facebook has also been created, which already has 300 members.

Chief Inspector, operations, Ruari Hardy said that for many motorists the possibility of losing their driving licence was a major deterrent.

In addition, those brought before the courts for this type of offence, risked losing their job, their liberty and the respect of their community, he said.

‘The police will devote additional resources to the campaign for the first time ever throughout the summer. In addition, the public are asked to play their part in assisting the police by reporting anyone they know to be driving over the limit.’

* Information should be passed to police on 725111 or Crimestoppers, 0800 555 111.

Article posted on 14th July, 2008 - 2.29pm