Liverpool City Council is reminding residents to take extra care on the roads as the clocks go back this weekend, bringing darker evenings just in time for the October half-term and Halloween celebrations.
The clocks will go back by one hour on Sunday 25 October 2026, marking the end of British Summer Time and the arrival of earlier sunsets across Liverpool.
With families preparing for half-term activities, Halloween on Saturday 31 October and Bonfire Night on Thursday 5 November, the council is encouraging drivers, pedestrians and cyclists to remain alert and take simple steps to stay safe.
Extra care needed on Liverpool’s roads
The sudden change in daylight hours can make it more difficult for road users to spot potential hazards, particularly during the first few days after the clocks change.
Children walking home, people cycling to work and residents heading out for an evening run may be less visible as daylight fades earlier.
Liverpool City Council is highlighting the importance of being seen and staying aware of surrounding traffic, with drivers urged to take particular care around pedestrians and cyclists.
Road safety tips for darker evenings
The council has shared practical advice to help everyone travel safely during the autumn and winter months.
For drivers:
- Reduce your speed and allow extra time to react to hazards.
- Use dipped headlights when appropriate and avoid dazzling other road users.
- Take extra care around schools, pedestrian crossings and busy areas.
For pedestrians:
- Wear bright or fluorescent clothing during daylight hours to improve visibility.
- Choose reflective clothing or accessories when walking after dark.
- Consider adding reflective tape or glow sticks to children’s Halloween costumes.
- Walk facing oncoming traffic where there is no pavement, when safe to do so.
- Avoid distractions from mobile phones and headphones when crossing roads.
- Hold young children’s hands and keep them away from the kerb.
For cyclists:
- Make sure your bike has working front and rear lights.
- Wear reflective or fluorescent clothing to help other road users see you.
- Check that your bicycle has the required reflectors.
- Signal clearly and ride predictably.
Road safety event coming to Liverpool city centre
To help raise awareness, Liverpool City Council is joining forces with Merseyside Police, Merseyside Road Safety Partnership and Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service for a special road safety event in Liverpool city centre.
The event will take place outside Primark on Church Street on Thursday 29 October 2026, between 10am and 3pm.
Residents and visitors are invited to come along, take part in activities and learn more about staying safe on the roads as the darker evenings arrive.
With Halloween and Bonfire Night approaching, the message is simple: stay visible, stay alert and look out for one another when travelling around Liverpool.
Councillor Dan Barrington, Cabinet Member for Transport and Connectivity said:
“As the clocks go back and evenings get darker, we’re urging everyone to take extra care on our roads. Whether you’re walking, cycling, or driving, being visible is absolutely vital.
“With Halloween celebrations adding to the mix, it’s more important than ever to wear bright or reflective clothing and stay alert.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility and small actions, like using bike lights or holding a child’s hand, can make a big difference. Together we can keep our streets safe for everyone.”
