With the Isle of Wight Festival now over and many more summer events to come, a fresh campaign is urging partygoers to think twice before getting behind the wheel the morning after drinking.
The joint effort by the Isle of Wight council and the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership delivered a clear message to thousands of ferry passengers arriving by car over the festival weekend: don’t risk driving with alcohol still in your system.
Visible presence at mainland ferry terminals
At the Lymington, Portsmouth and Southampton ferry terminals, travellers were met with prominent messaging and face-to-face advice. The aim was to raise awareness that alcohol can remain in your body well into the following day, leaving you unknowingly over the legal drink-drive limit.
Central to the campaign is the free “Morning After” calculator. This online tool helps users estimate how long it takes for alcohol to clear from their body. It’s intended to support informed decisions — not to encourage additional drinking.
Message extends beyond the festival
Lewis Campbell, road safety officer for Isle of Wight council, said,
“A big thank you to all of our partners within the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Safer Roads Partnership for supporting this important campaign.
“This has been another successful event at the mainland ports with more than 10,000 people engaged. We are very grateful for the support received by local ferry operators.”
He continued,
“The campaign highlights the importance of planning your journeys and your alcohol consumption if you know you must drive the following day. The Morning After calculator can help you do that.
“However, to be clear, there is no safe level of alcohol when it comes to driving.”
Drink driving carries tough penalties
Drivers caught over the limit face serious consequences, including fines, bans and potential prison sentences.
It’s not just about being found on the road — even sitting in a parked vehicle while intoxicated, with the keys in the ignition, can result in a £2,500 fine, a three-month prison term and a driving ban.
The Morning After calculator is available on the website.
