FOOTBALL-mad drivers will be targeted in a new campaign by the Department of Transport to discourage morning drinking during the World Cup.

Car and van drivers watching the early morning matches before continuing their day's work are being warned against drinking alcohol before going to work.

Focussing on the fact that about 2,000 people are breathalysed every day, the £200,000 radio campaign highlights how drinking habits are likely to change with many matches being played early in the morning.

Transport minister David Jamieson said: 'Pubs and bars are being allowed to open early for people to watch matches, but the drink-drive laws stay the same.

'It's important that people remember that drinking in the morning will impair their ability to drive throughout the day – and the police will be giving breath tests.

'This campaign highlights morning drinking, but I hope it continues to remind people that drinking and driving is not acceptable at any time.'

Although Britain has one of the best road safety records in Europe, the Government is aiming to continually cut deaths and injuries with a goal of 40% reduction on the number of casualties by 2010.