Liverpool City Council issues drink drive warning ahead of World Cup

Liverpool City Council is encouraging football fans to plan ahead and avoid driving if they are drinking during this summer’s World Cup.

With thousands of supporters expected to gather in pubs, bars and homes across the city to watch the World Cup tournament, road safety leaders are reminding people that one poor decision behind the wheel can have devastating consequences.

New figures show that more than 1,600 people were arrested for drink or drug driving in Liverpool during 2024. There were also 36 road traffic collisions linked to impairment, with alcohol involved in more than half of those incidents.

Data also revealed that drivers aged between 40 and 49 were the most likely to be caught driving while impaired, while men were more likely than women to be arrested for drink or drug driving offences.

Nationally, one in six road deaths has been linked to drink driving.

The campaign supports the Liverpool City Region Road Safety Strategy’s Vision Zero ambition, which aims to eliminate avoidable deaths and serious injuries on local roads by 2040.

It also forms part of Liverpool City Council’s “Call It! Enjoy More, Drink Less” campaign, which encourages people to recognise when they have had enough to drink, look out for friends and make sensible choices when planning a journey home.

Councillor Dan Barrington, Liverpool City Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity, said: “The rules around drink driving are in place to protect everyone. Driving while impaired can cause serious injury or death not only to drivers, but passengers and pedestrians too.

“All we ask is that people plan ahead when heading out to the pub or a friend’s house to enjoy a match. Taking a bus, train or taxi home might not always be as convenient as driving, but it’s a far better option than risking lives.”

Karen Blair, Chief Executive of Aftermath Support, added: “Every year, families are torn apart by the devastating consequences of drink driving. Behind the statistics are real people who face unimaginable pain.

“During the World Cup, we urge everyone to make safe choices, so no one has to face the heartbreak of losing a loved one to such preventable tragedies.”

The warning comes as the Government prepares to review drink and drug driving laws as part of its new Road Safety Strategy, including potential changes to legal alcohol limits and tougher penalties for offenders.

Liverpool City Council is urging supporters to enjoy the football, celebrate responsibly and make sure they have a safe way home before the first whistle blows.

Get more information from the Liverpool City Council here.

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