Safer Roads Greater Manchester launches road safety campaign ahead of World Cup
It’s Not a Game to combine hard-hitting drink/drug driving messaging with football theme
The last World Cup saw the highest number of drink/drug driving arrests over five years
Almost 250 fatal road incidents over the same period can be attributed to driver impairment
Campaign sees Safer Roads Greater Manchester working with Mayfield Depot, which is delivering Europe’s largest World Cup fan zone
Football fans in Greater Manchester are being urged to think before they drink and avoid getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or taking drugs while watching the World Cup this winter.
It’s Not a Game, a new campaign by Safer Roads Greater Manchester (SRGM), warns of the consequences of drink and drug driving throughout the tournament and during domestic fixtures over Christmas.
Thousands of people across the region are expected to gather over drinks to watch the games being played at the World Cup in Qatar, where the English and Welsh national teams are competing.
SRGM is partnering with Road to Victory, Europe’s largest World Cup fan park, to formally launch the campaign during the screening of the England v Iran game at Depot Mayfield in Manchester today (Monday 21st November).
Fans will get to take part in games while wearing alcohol impairment goggles to simulate the effects of alcohol consumption and drug impairment on the body, while a limited number of non-alcohol drinks will be available for any designated drivers planning to enjoy the football at the venue.
A 30-second radio advert, produced by Bauer Media, will help deliver campaign messaging through the recognisable voice of a football commentator during the event and over the coming weeks.
Beer mats and posters carrying the It’s Not a Game messaging will also be made available to venues wanting to encourage fans to stay alcohol and drug-free if driving and to advise people planning to drink to use other forms of transport to get home safely.
David Norris, from Road to Victory/AIX Live, said: “We are really excited to welcome thousands of passionate football fans to experience the incredible atmosphere at Road to Victory over the coming weeks.
“While we want people to enjoy the experience, we know we have a duty to help people make the right choice when it comes to avoiding alcohol and drugs if they plan on driving home.
“If you're planning on having a drink at our venue, please ensure you don’t drink and drive to avoid the potentially serious consequences of doing so. The venue is easily accessible by public transport or by walking, so please plan your journey home in advance.”
When someone drives under the influence of alcohol or drugs, not only are they breaking the law but put their own lives – and the lives of others – at risk.
Between 2017 and 2021, a total of 3,569 people were killed or seriously injured on Greater Manchester’s roads, with 249 incidents involving a driver impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Most of the people killed or injured – 62% – were drivers or passengers, but pedestrians are also seriously at risk, making up 15% of the casualties.
Bev Hughes, Deputy Mayor for Policing, Crime, Criminal Justice and Fire, said: “The World Cup is a great opportunity for people to come together and get into the spirit of the occasion. I would just ask that we do so in a responsible way.
“There is a heightened risk to the public during these periods due to the levels of alcohol and drug consumption. During the last football World Cup, 256 arrests were made by Greater Manchester Police for drink and drug driving offences. Driving whilst intoxicated is never ok. In doing so, you put yourself and others at serious risk of harm. So those people who will be having a drink should work out travel plans that do not involve driving.
“Our Vision Zero goal aims to make Greater Manchester a place where no one is killed or seriously injured on our roads and the campaign - It’s Not a Game- is one way we can help keep each other safe.”
The legal penalties for drink and drug driving are the same. If you are convicted, you could face:
a minimum 12 month driving ban
a criminal record
a significant fine
up to 6 months in prison
an endorsement on your licence for 11 years
During the 2018 World Cup held between 14th June and 15th July, a total of 256 arrests were made by Greater Manchester Police for drink and drug driving offences – the highest number of arrests over the same period between 2017 and 2021*.
This figure was surpassed in 2022, when there were 348 arrests between 14th and 15th July.
The staging of this year’s tournament World Cup during winter also means the finals coincide with the last weekend before Christmas, which is one of the busiest times of the year for drink/drug driving arrests.
In 2021 the most arrests for drink and drug driving offences were made in December. During the last weekend before Christmas made 36 arrests.
Superintendent Gareth Parkin of GMP’s Transport Unit said: “Drink driving can have devastating consequences and while we don’t want to discourage people from enjoying the football; we do want to ensure lives are not put at risk.
“If you’re going out to watch the game and know you’ll be drinking, remove the temptation to get behind the wheel by planning your journey home in advance. Same applies the next morning – ask yourself if you’re safe to drive before getting in the car.
“Our team will be on patrol around the clock over the next few weeks to look out for drink drivers. If you suspect somebody is putting people at risk by driving under the influence, please contact police via www.gmp.police.uk or dial 101. In an emergency, where the driver poses an immediate danger to members of the public, please call 999.
“You can also pass information on anonymously through independent charity, Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.”
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