TAC and Victoria Police's drink drive message to hit the tracks this summer

17 Dec 2013

An innovative makeover is set to catch the attention of all when the latest effort by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to reduce drink driving hits the tramways tonight.

For the next three months, a Yarra Trams tram will be ferrying passengers around Melbourne disguised as a Victoria Police booze bus.

The freshly-wrapped D1 tram will roll out of the Malvern depot tonight and will be a regular sight on the 5, 6, 8, 16 or 72 tram routes until mid-March.

TAC Chief Executive Officer Janet Dore said the tram wrap was a unique way to remind people of the dangers of drink driving during the festive season.

"I expect there will be many drivers who will get an uneasy feeling when they see what appears to be a booze bus sitting in the middle of the tram tracks," Ms Dore said.

"We want to remind anyone who still thinks it is fine to drink and drive that police are targeting this behaviour and it is only a matter of time until they are caught out.

"The TAC is always looking for new ways to make motorists think about being safe on the roads.

"It is true that we have seen a significant reduction in the road toll in 2013, compared to 2012, but this doesn't mean that we can be complacent, especially in the busy festive season," Ms Dore said.

Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Robert Hill encouraged partygoers to leave the car at home and catch the tram to and from holiday events.

"The tram is a reminder to plan ahead if you are out celebrating Christmas parties and work break-ups," Assistant Commissioner Hill said.

"If you are going to have a drink, do the right thing, arrange a designated driver, organise a taxi or take public transport."

The Victorian Government is providing free travel on public transport on Christmas Day and from 6pm on New Year's Eve until first service on New Year's Day.

The TAC tram is in addition to Yarra Trams' Beware the Rhino safety campaign, which reminds pedestrians to look, listen and be alert around trams and to not be distracted by mobile phones or listening to music.

Additionally, the TAC has launched its new Designated Driver Vouchers in time for Christmas.

Anyone wanting to ensure a family member or friend gets home safely from their work break-up, Christmas party or New Year's celebrations can download one of the vouchers from the TAC's website or Facebook page and make an early Christmas present out of it.

"Victorians know that getting home after public transport ends can be a challenge at this time of year, so we're hoping that they will embrace these vouchers going into the festive season," Ms Dore said.

Download the vouchers at www.tac.vic.gov.au or share them with friends from the TAC's Facebook page.

Increasing awareness of drink driving risks is a key component of the Victorian Government's Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022.

For more information contact Nick Price on 0439 433 847.