THIS year’s anti-drink drive campaign wants the community to take responsibility for its prevention. Islanders are being asked to help police by reporting anyone they think to be driving after having drunk too much.

‘There are many people who aren’t going to be drinking, or who aren’t of a driving age, and the campaign aims to make everybody aware of their responsibility,’ said Andrea Nightingale, co-ordinator of the Drug and Alcohol Strategy, who was at the launch of the campaign at the St Julian’s Avenue roundabout this morning.

‘If anyone sees someone who has drunk thinking about getting behind the wheel of their car, or on their motorcycle, we urge them to phone Crimestoppers, and try to ensure someone stops them.’

To kick-start the campaign, a layer of rubber paint on a giant billboard at the roundabout, that read Merry Christmas was peeled back to reveal a different message – Don’t be a bloody idiot. Think about how much that drink could cost you? Don’t drink and drive.

As well as the billboard, this year’s campaign will include banners around the island, bus advertising, radio adverts, as well as events that are yet to be announced.

Crime prevention officer Bernie English was at the launch.

He said it was difficult to tell how successful previous campaigns had been, but said that feedback had been very positive.

‘It’s a message that has to be reinforced every single year,’ he said.

‘We all want to have a good time at Christmas, but this doesn’t have to involve cars.’

* To report anyone thought to be drink-driving, information can be passed directly to the police control room on 725111 or islanders can call the Crimestoppers phone line anonymously on 0800 555 111.