BRADFORD Council is supporting a campaign highlighting the dangers of driving the morning after drinking alcohol - as Euro 2024 kicks off.

The Morning After Euro 2024 initiative urges motorists to familiarise themselves with how long it takes for alcohol to pass through the body, particularly if they plan to take to the road the next morning.

According to the Council, levels of alcohol consumption are expected to rise during the major football tournament, especially when England take to the pitch.

Throughout the Morning After Euro 2024 campaign, Bradford Council will be sharing a series of football-themed graphics across social media. 

They are designed to educate road users on how long it takes for alcohol to pass through the body.

According to the charity Drinkaware, it takes an average adult around an hour to process one unit of alcohol so that there is none left in their bloodstream, although this varies from person to person. 

A Bradford Council spokesperson said: "People know that they shouldn't drink and drive but may not be aware just how long it takes for the alcohol to leave their system. 

"We want everyone to enjoy the Euros safely."

They encouraged drinkers to use a 'morning after calculator' at https://morning-after.org.uk/drink-drive-calculator to help give them a rough calculation of when they might be safe to drive.

The Morning After campaign was founded by road safety consultancy Stennik in 2006. 

Edward Seaman, head of content at Stennik, said: "Many drivers unwittingly drive while over the limit the morning after a few beers or glasses of wine. 

"Sadly, data shows this can have serious consequences.

"We hope this campaign - which comes during a big summer of football - can raise awareness of this issue and help keep motorists safe."

The West Yorkshire Police website states: "Depending on the amount of alcohol consumed, you could still be over the legal limit the following morning and even into afternoon.

"Even if you feel fine and 'sober' it does not mean that you are not still over the legal limit.

"If you are stopped the day after and are over the limit, you are classed as a drink driver and will face the same penalties.

"Ignorance of the alcohol level in your system is not a legal defence."

Euro 2024 is taking place in Germany until July 14, with England taking on Serbia in their first match on Sunday.