A MOBILE ‘Christmas Grotto’ will visit Fenland this month as part of a scheme to remind people that drink-driving doesn’t just happen during the festive season.

The grotto-themed exhibition trailer is set to visit Tesco stores across Cambridgeshire, with county council road safety officers to give people early ‘Christmas cards’ to spread the message.

Leaflets will remind people of the length of time alcohol takes to clear the body and spell out the personal and legal consequences of drinking and driving.

Councillor Steve Criswell, county council Cabinet member for road safety, said: “1,100 drivers were arrested across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough in 2010 for drink driving. There is no excuse for drinking and driving, any amount of alcohol affects a person’s ability to drive.

“Drivers risk a fine of up to �5,000, a minimum 12-month driving ban and a criminal record.

“It’s also important to remember the morning after. People who have been out drinking the night before may still be affected by alcohol the next day. Even though they feel ok, they may still be unfit to drive or over the legal alcohol limit.”

The roadshows, organised by the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Road Safety Partnership, will take place from 10-3pm at Huntingdon (June 3), Bar Hill (June 14), Wisbech (June 27), March (June 29) and Ely (June 30).

Tony Barrios, Casualty Reduction Officer for Cambridgeshire Constabulary, said: “It is important to reinforce the drink drive message especially at this time of year, with long summer evenings and many of us enjoying time in beer gardens and at BBQs.

“Many people don’t realise that drink drive casualties occur all year round and not just at Christmas.”

Roadshow visitors will also have an opportunity to win an iPod nano by filling in a questionnaire. People who cannot make the roadshows can take part in the survey on the county council’s website.