Local politician in designated driver initiative

Constituents encouraged not to drink and drive.

Richard Burden MP is inviting designated drivers in his constituency to claim their reward for keeping the roads safe this Christmas. As part of a national campaign run by Coca-Cola in partnership with the THINK! Road safety campaign, designated drivers can enjoy a “buy one, get one free” offer on Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero as they celebrate the festive period in local pubs and bars.

Now in its sixth year, the campaign will run in over 8,000 pubs and venues up and down the country. The programme will run for three weeks from 9th to 31st December 2013 in pubs across Birmingham Northfield and all over the country, as part of an ongoing partnership with the THINK! road safety initiative.

Mr Burden, who MP for Birmingham Northfield and also Shadow Minister with responsibility for road safety, said “I’m really pleased to support Coca-Cola’s Designated Driver campaign, particularly as we head towards the festive season when more people are tempted to drink and drive. With deaths from drink driving sadly up 17% on last year we need to do everything we can to encourage responsible drinking. Rewarding designated drivers with a buy one get one free offer on soft drinks sends out a strong message for road safety, and will help people to have an enjoyable evening in pubs and bars up and down this Christmas.”

Jon Woods, General Manager of Coca-Cola Great Britain and Ireland, said: “Designated drivers play a vital role in making sure the roads are safe for everyone. We know that it’s safer not to drink at all before getting behind the wheel, and so Coca-Cola is rewarding all designated drivers with free drinks so that they can celebrate the festive period and help to get their friends and family home safely.”