Who Will Be Taking You Home Tonight
A hearse, police car, ambulance and taxi lined up along Piccadilly Gardens to remind revellers of the consequences of their decisions.
The vehicles took their place at the busy city centre location on ‘Mad Friday’ to encourage those going out on the busiest night of the year to make responsible choices whilst enjoying the festivities.
Three hundred thousand people are expected to visit the city centre this weekend, and extra officers will be out on patrol throughout to ensure the night is fun and safe for all. Officers will also be patrolling the roads looking for drink drivers.
Chief Superintendent John O’Hare from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations, said: “Our officers will be on duty throughout the holiday period to ensure people have a safe and peaceful Christmas. However, I urge everyone to consider how they plan to spend their festive period – nobody wants to end up in a police car, ambulance or – in the worst instance – a hearse.
“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves but ask that they take personal responsibility. Alcohol can have devastating consequences and one thoughtless act after too much alcohol can end violently and tragically. Often people don’t realise what they are doing when they have had a drink and it is those split-second actions that result in devastating life-long consequences.
“No police officer wants to have to deliver the message that a loved one has died in an alcohol-fuelled fight or been killed or seriously injured at the hands of a drink or drug driver. Or where they have been the driver deliver the news of their tragic death.
“If you’re out tonight then please look after yourself and your friends. Know your limits, control your temper, walk away from trouble and make sure the only vehicle taking you home tonight is a taxi.”
Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are currently receiving an unprecedented amount of 999 calls. The festive season is always an extremely busy time for the emergency services and is set to place even more demand on our resources this year.
“We want to encourage the public to consider the seriousness associated with this time of year, especially in the week before Christmas. Our staff see first-hand the devastating affect alcohol-related incidents can cause - in some instances, it can result in death.
“Ultimately, we want people to have a safe, enjoyable festive season but it can all change quickly, so please consider your actions as the implications may be life-changing.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Who Will Be Taking You Home Tonight
A hearse, police car, ambulance and taxi lined up along Piccadilly Gardens to remind revellers of the consequences of their decisions.
The vehicles took their place at the busy city centre location on ‘Mad Friday’ to encourage those going out on the busiest night of the year to make responsible choices whilst enjoying the festivities.
Three hundred thousand people are expected to visit the city centre this weekend, and extra officers will be out on patrol throughout to ensure the night is fun and safe for all. Officers will also be patrolling the roads looking for drink drivers.
Chief Superintendent John O’Hare from Greater Manchester Police’s Specialist Operations, said: “Our officers will be on duty throughout the holiday period to ensure people have a safe and peaceful Christmas. However, I urge everyone to consider how they plan to spend their festive period – nobody wants to end up in a police car, ambulance or – in the worst instance – a hearse.
“We want people to come out and enjoy themselves but ask that they take personal responsibility. Alcohol can have devastating consequences and one thoughtless act after too much alcohol can end violently and tragically. Often people don’t realise what they are doing when they have had a drink and it is those split-second actions that result in devastating life-long consequences.
“No police officer wants to have to deliver the message that a loved one has died in an alcohol-fuelled fight or been killed or seriously injured at the hands of a drink or drug driver. Or where they have been the driver deliver the news of their tragic death.
“If you’re out tonight then please look after yourself and your friends. Know your limits, control your temper, walk away from trouble and make sure the only vehicle taking you home tonight is a taxi.”
Steve Hynes, Greater Manchester Head of Service, North West Ambulance Service NHS Trust, said: “We are currently receiving an unprecedented amount of 999 calls. The festive season is always an extremely busy time for the emergency services and is set to place even more demand on our resources this year.
“We want to encourage the public to consider the seriousness associated with this time of year, especially in the week before Christmas. Our staff see first-hand the devastating affect alcohol-related incidents can cause - in some instances, it can result in death.
“Ultimately, we want people to have a safe, enjoyable festive season but it can all change quickly, so please consider your actions as the implications may be life-changing.”
To find out more about Greater Manchester Police please visit our website.
You should call 101, the new national non-emergency number, to report crime and other concerns that do not require an emergency response.
Always call 999 in an emergency, such as when a crime is in progress, violence is being used or threatened or where there is danger to life.
You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.