If you haven’t sorted your New Year’s Eve plans yet and are thinking about trying to catch a glimpse of the fireworks, be warned: Londoners are being advised to ‘stay away’ from several popular spots.
Local authorities have urged non-official ticket holders to find another way to celebrate to avoid the disappointment of ‘non-existent views’.
Tower Bridge and London Bridge are two popular viewing spots for the New Year’s Eve display, which take place on the South Bank.
However, visitors are being reminded that the bend in the river and tall buildings in the way means they won’t get a clear view of the spectacular display.
The City Bridge Foundation (CFS), which oversees both bridges, is asking those without a ticket to stay at home and watch the display on television or consider other plans.
‘We don’t want to come across like party poopers, but the fact is if you go to Tower Bridge or London Bridge to see the fireworks, you will only wish you hadn’t,’ Paul Martinelli, CFS chair, said.
‘If you’re not lucky enough to have a ticket for one of the official viewing areas, your best bet is to watch the fireworks on TV or go out and celebrate in one of London’s many fantastic pubs, bars or restaurants.’
Last year, the foundation’s Stay Away campaign had an impact, with fewer people on the bridges than in previous years, when thousands of revellers congregated.
The City of London Police is also reminding residents to be safe this New Year’s.
Commander Umer Khan OBE said: ‘The City of London is a vibrant, exciting place to be in the capital and, as ever, this New Year’s Eve, our officers will be out preventing, detecting and acting on any criminality.
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‘Tower Bridge and London Bridge are outside the firework event footprint and will be open to traffic. In the interest of public safety, we’re urging people not to stop on those bridges on New Year’s Eve as the fireworks are not visible from these locations.’
People are also advised not to flock to other bridge locations – Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars – to view the fireworks due to restricted visibility.
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Crowd control measures will also be in place, which may mean they are not accessible.
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Official tickets for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display are sold out. The CFS is advising those not lucky enough to score one to watch the display from the comfort of their own homes.
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