Today [9 December], workers in the City of London witnessed the sobering site of a car cutting and casualty extraction outside St Paul’s Cathedral. The event, organised by the City of London Corporation, London Fire Brigade and the City of London Police, in partnership with the London Ambulance Service, was to remind City workers of the dangers of drink-driving.

Chairman of the Planning & Transportation Committee Michael Welbank, said: “Many City workers will only associate drink-driving and its risks with excessive drinking and the reckless behaviour of teenagers. However, if you drink at lunch time you might still be over the limit when you go home in the evening, and if you have drunk heavily in the evening and taken a cab home to avoid driving, you might need another cab because you could still be over the limit the next morning.

“The amount of alcohol which is “safe” to drink before driving varies from person to person and situation to situation. In some circumstances, even one drink will put you over the limit. Your age, weight, metabolism and stress levels can all affect how you process alcohol, and if you drink on an empty stomach you will process it faster.”

The event formed part of the City of London Corporation’s “Safer Christmas” campaign, which includes:

• Handing out breathalysers at Liverpool Street Station for commuters so they can see if they would still be over the limit from the night before
• Joining in with the “Eat, Drink and Be Safe” campaign.
• Handing out “party people” bags with tips about Christmas safety
• Visiting businesses & construction sites to talk about road & personal safety

Media Enquiries

Bella Longman, Media Officer – Planning & Financial Services, City of London Corporation

Tel: 020 7332 1906 / Mobile: 07809 334 327

Email: bella.longman@cityoflondon.gov.uk

Road safety in the City of London

The City of London Corporation is committed to improving road safety for all road users within the Square Mile. As part of this programme, the City has:

• A rolling programme of major schemes to improve road safety and amenity. Holborn Circus is now complete, and Aldgate is in the construction phase. The City Corporation is also currently working on major safety improvements at Bank Junction.
• Moved cyclists away from more hazardous main roads by introducing over 70 two-way cycling streets to make it safer and easier for people to cycle.
• Introduced a 20mph speed limit which has reduced speed limits which in turn reduces both the number and severity of casualties.
• Consulted on the introduction of Quietways in the City, which will provide safer routes for less confident cyclists.
• Set up “exchanging places” exhibits, where cyclists can have their traffic fines revoked and learn about safer cycling.
• Supported the design & construction of the Mayor’s Cycle Superhighway network.

About the City of London Corporation 

The City of London Corporation provides local government and policing services for the financial and commercial heart of Britain, the 'Square Mile'. In addition, the City Corporation has three roles:

(1) We support London’s communities by working in partnership with neighbouring boroughs on economic regeneration, education and skills projects. In addition, the City of London Corporation’s charity City Bridge Trust makes grants of more than £15 million annually to charitable projects across London and we also support education with three independent schools, three City Academies, a primary school and the world-renowned Guildhall School of Music and Drama.

(2) We also help look after key London’s heritage and green spaces including Tower Bridge, Museum of London, Barbican Arts Centre, City gardens, Hampstead Heath, Epping Forest, Burnham Beeches, and important ‘commons’ in south London.

(3) We also support and promote the ‘City’ as a world-leading financial and business hub, with outward and inward business delegations, high-profile civic events and research-driven policies all reflecting a long-term approach.