Revellers looking to see in the New Year with a free view of the capital’s famous fireworks display are being urged to stay away from Tower Bridge and London Bridge.
City Bridge Foundation – the 900-year-old charity which looks after both bridges – says the bend in the river and tall buildings in the way mean the view of the spectacular show is non-existent.
It has launched a social media campaign highlighting other things you won’t see from the bridges on December 31, including the Eiffel Tower, Statue of Liberty and Leaning Tower of Pisa.
The foundation, which looks after five bridges at no cost to the taxpayer, is urging people without a ticket for the sold-out event to stay at home and watch on television or make alternative plans, to avoid disappointment.
Paul Martinelli, City Bridge Foundation chair, said: “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.
“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 the New Year in one of London’s many fantastic pubs, bars or restaurants.”
The foundation says its ‘stay away’ appeal did have an impact last year, with fewer people on the bridges than in previous years, when thousands of revellers congregated.
City of London Police, supported by stewards, will be out in significant numbers to keep people safe, but the force is asking people to make their job easier – by staying away.
Commander Umer Khan OBE, from City of London Police, 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.
“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 visit the foundation’s other three bridges – Southwark, Millennium and Blackfriars bridges – to view the fireworks as visibility is very limited and crowd control measures will be in place which mean they may not be accessible.
Tickets for the New Year’s Eve fireworks display are sold out. Those without a ticket are encouraged to join millions of viewers in watching the display live on BBC One or via BBC iPlayer, or to celebrate the New Year in the capital’s bars, restaurants, pubs and clubs.
The Tower Bridge visitor attraction is open daily over the festive period from 9.30am to 6pm, with last admission at 5pm, apart from December 24 to 26, when it is closed, and New Year’s Day, when it opens at 10am. Tickets can be pre-booked in advance at www.towerbridge.org.uk
