NSW Police Force officers will be deployed across the state ahead of New Year’s Eve to ensure families and friends can enjoy the celebrations safely.
Operation New Year’s Eve 2021 will be in place tomorrow (Friday 31 December 2021), as revellers start to converge on the Sydney Harbour foreshore and at events throughout NSW.
General duties officers will be assisted by Traffic and Highway Patrol Command, Police Transport Command, the Public Order and Riot Squad, Operations Support Group, Licensing Police, Mounted and Dog Command, Marine Area Command, and PolAir, throughout the operation.
Deputy Premier, Minister for Regional NSW and Minister for Police Paul Toole said double demerits also remain in place until 3 January 2022.
“Police will be out in force on our roads and at events, not just in Sydney, but right across the state to make sure everyone rings in the New Year safely,” Mr Toole said.
“I also ask people to be respectful and courteous to our police, who won’t be out celebrating with family and friends, but will be working around the clock to keep everyone safe.”
Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon, Metropolitan Field Operations, said police will be highly visible across the city and around NSW to ensure everyone can enjoy the celebrations safely.
“There will be large numbers of police – both uniformed and plain-clothed – deployed around the CBD and Sydney Harbour foreshore areas throughout the day and until the party precincts have safely emptied on New Year’s Day,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.
“With 2021 being a challenging year for many people, we want the festivities to be safe and enjoyable for everyone. If we all put safety first, New Year’s Eve will be remembered for all the right reasons.
“Police will have zero tolerance for violent or anti-social behaviour. Don’t ruin a good night out for yourself or others with foolish behaviour that you will come to regret.”
City of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebration is the state’s largest event and police have been working closely with the event organisers to ensure safe celebrations.
The NSW Police Force will also be working side-by-side with various agencies in the Police Operations Centre and Government Coordination Centre, to coordinate people and resources on the ground.
Operation Commander, Assistant Commissioner Peter Thurtell, said only those with tickets or reservations should be travelling into the city for festivities.
“With most vantage points for the fireworks ticketed this year, we are urging people not to head into the CBD or harbour foreshore areas unless they have a ticket to a vantage point or a reservation at a restaurant or other venue,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
For tickets to vantage points, important hints and tips for the evening, and information on alcohol-free zones, please visit the Sydney New Year’s Eve website: www.sydneynewyearseve.com.
The website also features important traffic and transport information to assist revellers in planning their trip to and from the city.
“There will be various major road closures and special event clearways in place throughout New Year’s Eve and into New Year’s Day, so public transport is the best option for getting to and from the city,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“Across NSW, we urge people planning on drinking to leave their car at home and catch public transport, taxis, or organise a designated driver.
“There will be marked and unmarked police cars out targeting behaviour that endangers lives, including drink and drug driving, speeding, and fatigue.”
Special event traffic information can also be found at: www.livetraffic.com.
Assistant Commissioner Thurtell added that bad behaviour is not tolerated on public transport.
“Police Transport Command (PTC) officers will be travelling all modes of the transport network and targeting criminal and anti-social behaviour, including anyone drinking alcohol, which is prohibited on trains, light rail, buses and ferries,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“If you get drunk and try to spoil the trip for others, we will spoil your night – your destination will be the nearest police station.”
With significant maritime traffic expected on Sydney Harbour, the Marine Area Command and other authorities will be checking to make sure operators of recreational and commercial vessels are complying with maritime laws.
“Like its foreshore, the Harbour will be crowded, so skippers should be alert and aware of their surroundings at all times,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
“Before heading out, check the vessel is in good working order, ensure all the required safety equipment is on board and check special event maritime information.
“And remember, the alcohol limit is 0.05 – just like on land – and with officers conducting random breath tests on the water, it’s safer not to drink at all,” Assistant Commissioner Thurtell said.
Visit https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au and follow the links to Maritime for details on exclusion zones and movement restriction times.
