Police are warning party-goers this New Year's Eve to plan ahead to ensure the night goes smoothly.
With Christmas over for another year, many will have already started planning how they are going to see in the new year, whether it be at London's huge annual fireworks display, a night out on the town or at a house party.
The Metropolitan Police has revealed that work to keep people safe at the London Mayor's fireworks display, in association with Unicef, in central London has been under way for a year already.
The Met has been working closely with the London Mayor's office, British Transport Police (BTP), Westminster City Council and others to ensure the event runs smoothly and spectators for the sold-out ticketed event enjoy a fun evening and ring in the new year safely.
They warn that anyone without a ticket will not be permitted to enter, so those without tickets are advised to watch the spectacle from the comfort of their own home.
READ MORE:If fireworks aren't your thing, try on our alternative New Year's Eve celebrations
Plan your journey
Whether you have a ticket, have reserved a booking at a restaurant or club, or are going to another celebration across the capital, ensure you plan your journey, the Met advises.
Road closures in central London start from 2pm on New Year's Eve and it will be very busy with people travelling into the city, so make sure you leave plenty of time for travelling and arrange a contingency meeting place with family and friends in case you become separated.
Around 3,000 officers will be on duty across central London, both within and outside the ticketed areas to prevent crime and disorder, and keep everyone safe.
Met spokesperson Superintendent Jo Edwards said: "New Year's Eve is a major celebration in the diary and the Met has been working with colleagues to ensure celebrations run smoothly and the event is safe and enjoyable for everyone who attends.
"Our policing plan remains under constant review and the public can expect to see additional police officers in central London, which includes an increased number of firearms officers. Our plans are purely precautionary and not as a result of any specific intelligence.
"I would ask anyone who is travelling into London for the ticketed New Year's Eve event to arrive in plenty of time. We will be supporting stewards with additional entry searches to the ticketed event which is likely to mean it will take longer to get into the viewing areas.
"We will also be working closely with our partners at British Transport Police who will have additional armed officers in and around central London transport hubs throughout New Years Eve.
"If you see anything suspicious or that causes you any concern please tell a police officer or steward."
Local borough policing arrangements will remain in place to deal with local events, supported by additional pan-London police resources as necessary.
Extended armed patrols
Superintendent Andy Morgan, silver commander for British Transport Police, said: "New Year's Eve will undoubtedly be one of the busiest nights of the year for the emergency services and we will have officers on the ground at train and tube stations across London.
"In order to provide further reassurance to everyone, we will also be extending our regular armed patrols and specialist support beyond normal hours.
"We would encourage everyone to enjoy their evening and to travel home safely, making sure you have your travel arrangements in place and know when your last train home is."
Tips to help you enjoy New Year's Eve
- If you don't have a ticket, the Met advises to watch the coverage on television
- Most bars and clubs are ticket only or you need to book in advance
- If you're going to be outside for the fireworks make sure you wrap up warm as there is likely to be lots of waiting around
- Travel around town by public transport, if you drive into town during the day you won't be able to drive home once road closures have been put in place. Visit www.met.police.co.uk for information on road closures that could affect your journey
- If you're travelling by public transport, plan your journey and check the times of your last bus, tube or train. Visit www.tfl.gov.uk/nye for travel information
- There is a huge demand for public transport at certain points in the evening. Post midnight you may have to wait some time before getting on the tube or train so be prepared to queue
- Criminals use the cover of crowds to commit crime - keep a close eye on all your belongings and only carry the essentials
