Safety campaign targets drinkers

City centre drinkers in Sheffield are putting their lives at risk when they stagger out of late-night bars and pubs, councillors say.

Authorities in the city are concerned about the number of road accidents involving young revellers who have consumed too much alcohol during a night out.

Councillors say 38 pedestrians have been knocked down on Ecclesall Road in the last five years, many of whom were unable to make safe judgements when crossing the street.

Sheffield City Council and police have now launched a campaign to reduce the number of people injured by vehicles.

Leaflets, beer mats and posters will appear in bars and pubs in the city centre in a bid to make drinkers more vigilant.

Councillor Tim Rippon, in charge of community safety, said: "This campaign is targeting those young people who will have consumed too much alcohol and then have to cross a road, hail a taxi or catch a bus.

"There are too many accidents that make what was to be an enjoyable night out a tragic memory for the injured pedestrians and their family, friends and loved ones."

South Yorkshire Police will put extra patrols on streets where pedestrians are at risk for the duration of the campaign.