Celebrate safely this New Year’s Eve

Police are encouraging New Year’s revellers to welcome 2016 in safely.

As ACT Policing is preparing for a busy night ahead, New Year’s Eve Operation Commander Superintendent Ben Cartwright said “Police will have a very visible presence throughout the evening and into the early hours of the morning ensuring responsible behaviour.”

“Police Operations will be monitoring CCTV footage of the New Year’s Eve celebrations in Garema Place, and patrolling the alcohol exclusion zones and the alcohol free events. Police will be targeting anti-social behaviour and underage drinking,” said Superintendent Cartwright.

“We want people to enjoy themselves and have a good time.  We will not hesitate, however, to act if there is any sign of dangerous or anti-social behaviour.”

“We are asking people to think ahead, plan who you are going with, where you are going and importantly how you are going to get home. Last year police took 16 young people and seven adults into protective custody. We would like to see that number reduced this year.”

Safety on our roads will be a strong focus for police, with dedicated patrols targeting all drivers who disobey the road rules across the ACT. Last year, a total of 4085 random roadside breath tests were conducted by police on New Year’s Eve with 18 people returning positive results. Police issued 63 Traffic Infringement Notices.

Temporary road closures will take place on London Circuit between Northbourne Avenue and Akuna Street from 5pm until about 2am.

During the fireworks display, other road closures will be implemented on Vernon Circle between the north and south intersections with London Circuit and Commonwealth Avenue from 8.40pm to 9.30pm and also 11.40pm to 12.30am. Theatre Lane, behind the Canberra Theatre, will be closed.

The public car park at the corner of London Circuit and Constitution Avenue will be closed from midday today (December, 31).

If you are attending the New Year’s Eve celebrations in the City, visit the ACT Government’s events website to plan your night; www.events.act.gov.au