With just hours until this year’s World Cup gets underway in Mexico this evening, football fans across Salford have been urged to avoid putting themselves and others at risk by not driving after drinking alcohol or taking drugs while watching the late-night matches.
The England and Scotland national teams will be competing in the United States, Mexico and Canada between 11 June and 19 July, with thousands of supporters expected to watch at home or pack out pubs, bars and venues across the city to cheer on their team.
Between the start of the 2022 World Cup and just before England’s defeat to France in the quarter-finals, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) arrested 258 people for drink and drug driving offences.
This was higher than the 256 arrests made across the whole of the 2018 World Cup the highest number of arrests over the same period between 2017 and 2021.
The force is keen to ensure this worrying rise does not continue during the largest World Cup ever staged, where 48 nations will compete over a 39-day tournament for the chance of glory.
Ahead of England’s first World Cup group match against Croatia on Wednesday 17 June, the Safer Roads Greater Manchester Partnership has relaunched its football-themed summer road safety campaign aimed at raising awareness of the consequences of driving under the influence.
Over the summer months as more people go out to socialise in the warmer weather, this leads to an increase in drink and drug driving, including offences where drivers are found to be over the limit the morning after.
The number of people arrested by Greater Manchester Police for drink and drug driving has steadily risen over time, from 2,624 in 2019 to 5,173 in 2025 – a 97% increase.
Someone driving under the influence of drink or drugs is more likely to put themselves and others at risk of serious injury or death.
Between 2022 and 2024, 17 people died and 215 others were seriously injured in incidents involving drivers under the influence of drugs of alcohol in Greater Manchester.
Every England and Scotland World Cup group stage match will kick off at 9pm or later, meaning people are more likely to consider driving to work the next day while still impaired. Pubs will also be able to extend their opening hours further into the morning should any home nation progress beyond the group stage.
With later-running matches, people expecting to watch the football at pubs or bars are encouraged to plan ahead and consider using the Bee Network’s buses or trams, or trains and taxis, to get home safely.
Peter Boulton, TfGM’s Highways Network Director, said: “The World Cup is the pinnacle of football and provides a brilliant opportunity for people to come together, cheer on their nation and enjoy the atmosphere with family and friends, but unfortunately it is in these environments that drink and drug driving can increase.
“With matches kicking off late into the evening and some venues staying open longer, it’s more important than ever that people plan their journeys home ahead of time if they are going to be drinking.
“Driving under the influence is unacceptable. It risks lives, including your own, and one poor decision can change everything in an instant. You could still be over the legal limit the next morning, so don’t take the chance and stay safe this summer.”
If someone is found guilty of causing serious injury or death while impaired by alcohol of drugs, they may face life imprisonment, an unlimited fine, and a five-year driving ban – not to mention the devastating impact this will have on their own friends and families, as well as those injured or killed.
The legal penalties for drink and drug driving are identical. If you are convicted, you could face a minimum 12-month driving ban, a criminal record, and a substantial fine. In more serious cases, offenders may also receive up to six months in prison. A drink or drug-driving endorsement will remain on your licence for 11 years.
Throughout the World Cup, Greater Manchester Police will have comprehensive patrol plans – including its roads policing unit – to provide extra visibility, deter crime and antisocial behaviour and reassure members of the public who will be out watching the football.
Chief Inspector Chris Clarke, from GMP’s Specialist Operations Unit, said: “Every major football tournament brings a buzz and excitement across our region, and this World Cup is the same.
“We know that late kick-offs, extended pub opening hours and the temptation to ‘chance it’ the next morning can have deadly consequences.
“Our message is simple: do not drink or drug drive. You’re putting your own life and the lives of others at risk. Even if you feel fine the morning after, you may still be impaired.
“Throughout the tournament, our officers will be out in force across Greater Manchester to deter offending and take robust action against anyone who chooses to ignore the law.
“Plan ahead, keep safe and speak to officers if you need us – we are there to help.”
The campaign, which features some of the potential repercussions of drink and drug driving on a red card, will be beamed on screens at participating pubs across the city-region throughout the World Cup, as well as social media, digital and radio advertising.
