'Make travel plans ahead of England game' - police
EPA/ShutterstockPolice are urging people to make travel plans ahead of England's next World Cup game.
Fifa confirmed England's last-16 tie against Mexico in Mexico City would kick off as scheduled at 01:00 BST on Monday (18:00 local time), after making a U-turn on proposals to bring it forward.
Devon and Cornwall Police Supt Joe Matthews said people should make plans to get to and from venues safely if they were planning on drinking alcohol.
He urged people not to drink any alcohol if driving, because even a small amount can affect a person's ability to drive.
Matthews said: "It slows reaction times and affects your vision and concentration.
"You're more likely to engage in risk taking.
"There is no reliable way to drink and stay within the limit - because everyone is different you cannot work out a safe level by counting units."
Matthews said the only thing that eliminated alcohol from the body was time, not "sleep, coffee or a full English breakfast". He also urged people to think very carefully about driving the next day, as they may still be incapacitated by alcohol.
He said to call 999 if you suspected someone was going to immediately drive after drinking alcohol or taking drugs, adding "you could save a life".
Matthews said there was a specific policing operation to ensure the force worked with licensed premises effectively throughout the period of the World Cup, with a particular focus on England match days.
He said it was a "certainty" emotions would be "running high" during and after the game.
He said: "Make the evening one to be remembered for all the right reasons."
Matthews said: "Keep an eye on your friends, and if it looks like they are getting a bit out of hand, just have a quiet word, step in, and walk them away.
"When you are leaving, keep in mind that many people won't be watching the game, and some will have early starts."
