Bermuda's businesses are being asked to gear up for a new Island-wide road safety campaign -- and start their own designated driver programmes.

Companies could soon accelerate plans to start their own anti-drink drive projects after talks with the Road Safety Council.

Chairperson Delcina Bean-Burrows has announced the Government's designated driver scheme is going into overdrive and running all year round.

But the new initiative will involve more than just soft drinks for drivers.

It will involve a push from all sectors of the community -- with firms being asked to contribute to a large cash fund.

Business leaders will also begin coordinating the company campaigns to stop drink-driving.

Mrs. Bean-Burrows said: "We are going to be unveiling all of the details of the programme and how it will actually work on the Drive Sober Day, as part of Road Safety Week.

"Some details still have to be finalised in terms of the expense but we want this to work as a community-based programme.

"We don't want one particular sector of the community to bear the brunt of funding this initiative.

"We are trying to drive home the point that the issue of drink-driving is a community problem and needs to be approached as such.

"That's why everybody needs to be involved. There are more people responsible than just the restaurants, bars and nightclubs.'' Flanagan's owner Tom Gallagher, chairman of the Chamber of Commerce's restaurant and nightclub division, added: "We have not been informed that the designated driver programme is going to last all year from now on.

"There haven't been any formal discussions yet. But in fact, we have been having meetings with the executive director of CADA (the Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse) in relation to a responsible beverage service programme.

"As a Chamber, we are very supportive of anything that provides a meaningful impact in terms of stopping drink-driving.

"That is something which is of very high concern to us. We would take any new project under advisement and give it serious consideration.

"But there is an associated cost and it would be a question of how we got it operating.'' Previous designated driver programmes have run around Christmas and New Year, with drivers being given free soft drinks in bars.

The entire programme will be unveiled on April 28, as part of the April 25-30 Road Safety Week.