New sober driving service to combat drink driving

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A new sober driving service is launching in Nelson tonight after tighter drink driving laws have increased the demand for safe travel options.

Adrian Malcolmson set up The Sober Guys in an effort to keep Nelson streets safe and occupy himself when he is not at his day job.

“I just started this up because my job is boring and I need to be working on something.”

He drives to town in his own car in a team of two, picks up the passengers in their own car and then has his colleague tails behind on the way to their destination. Adrian can then get back in his own car with his colleague and go to the next job.

“It’s like a taxi service but you’re driving their car home with them rather than jumping in a car and getting a lift home.”

Adrian has worked in the past for his friends sober driving business but has decided to create his own after his friend left to work as a taxi driver.

“I was off work sick for a year, I could drive a car but I couldn’t work, that’s where my idea came from.”

He says he has had a lot of interest through his Facebook and has printed business cards to get the word out there.

“I just want to build it up over the winter leading up to the summer. I’m not expecting miracles straight away.”

The minimum charge for The Sober Guys is set at $15 with an extra $5 for each major suburb passed through. Adrian says the service works out a little bit more expensive than a taxi ride one way but it gives customers a lot more convenience.

“You don’t have to worry about your car in the morning and you don’t have to take a taxi into town if you’re driving yourself.”

Adrian has a ‘P’ endorsement licence which he says keeps the operation in line with the law. He says he’s not too sure on how taxi drivers will react.

“I do know they are not overly fond of people that do this.”

Booking can be made for 6pm-4pm Friday to Sunday by calling Adrian on 021 109 4675.