Shock tactics to stop drink drivers (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Shock tactics to stop drink drivers

9:20am Tuesday 15th August 2006 in Chippenham By Katie Adams

SHOPPERS in Chippenham were exposed to shock tactics in an effort to stop people drinking and driving.

The mangled remains of the car of Corsham man Michael Matcham who died after being hit by a drink driver last year, were put on display in the town centre on Monday.

Traffic Policeman, Barney Appleton said: "We have had a very positive reaction from members of the public to the display of the car.

"It has been a mixture of amazement, shock and anger as people know this is not just any old car, but rather a car that was actually involved in an accident.

"It is obviously very visually impacting, and if even one person goes away from here and it stops them drinking and then driving then we have done our job."

The display was part of Wiltshire police's seven month Operation XS campaign, which is targeting people who commit crime when they have been drinking This month the campaign is targeting drink drivers.

Mr Matcham, 64, of Potley Lane died on July 7 last year, after alcoholic Godric Goodrich crashed his car head-on into Mr Matcham's vehicle on Lacock Road.

Mr Matcham died from his injuries the following day.

Police officers found Mr Goodrich to be twice over the drink driving limit.