“Celebrate New Year’s Eve Responsibly: Police Share Essential Safety Tips!”

Assistant Commissioner Simon Watkins declared that a New Year’s Eve operation will start at 3pm on Tuesday, December 31, and will extend until 7am on Wednesday, January 1.

“Police will attend all significant public gatherings observing the New Year,” he stated. “This encompasses events in regional areas such as Victor Harbor and Wallaroo, along with the Adelaide CBD, Glenelg, and Semaphore.”

“The public will encounter a complete array of policing resources – traffic patrols, canines, mounted units, bike patrols, public transport teams, uniformed officers, and other specialized personnel – all present to ensure everyone’s safety.”

South Australia Police aim for all to experience a secure, joyful, and incident-free New Year’s Eve. “Don’t usher in 2025 in a police cell,” Assistant Commissioner Watkins underscored.

He prompted the community to devise a plan for their evening out, taking into account transportation, personal safety, and alcohol intake ahead of the celebrations. “Be mindful of the dry zones that will be enforced at various events statewide,” he mentioned.

“This festivity is not a justification for intoxicated violent actions. Individuals who behave in this manner – especially those who interfere with others’ celebrations – should anticipate interactions with police throughout the night.”

“Please consume alcohol moderately and maintain control over your actions. Decide how you will return home prior to the evening’s commencement. Utilize public transport or taxis whenever feasible, and kindly exhibit patience toward other travelers awaiting these services.”

Assistant Commissioner Watkins also emphasized the importance of looking after friends, particularly if they have been drinking. “Intoxicated individuals are highly vulnerable and may become victims of serious crimes, including sexual and physical assaults, frequently without a clear memory of the events.”

“Our statewide road safety initiative, Safe Holiday, will operate fully that night, featuring extensive random alcohol and drug testing.”

Road closures in Adelaide and North Adelaide include:

• King William Street (northbound lanes) between Currie Street and North Terrace
• King William Road between North Terrace and Sir Edwin Smith Avenue
• Victoria Drive, Adelaide between Kermode Street and King William Road
• Jolley’s Lane, Adelaide in its entirety
• King William Road, North Adelaide between Ward Street and Sir Edwin Smith Avenue (local traffic allowed only)

From 7.00am on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, until 3.00am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

• War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide between Riverbank Footbridge and King William Road
• Festival Drive, Adelaide from King William Road to a point 80 meters west
• War Memorial Drive, North Adelaide between Sir Edwin Smith Avenue to a point 180 meters east.
• Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, North Adelaide, between Kermode Street and Brougham Place (single eastbound lane closure, Adelaide Metro Buses excluded)

From 3.00pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, until 1.30am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

• North Terrace, Adelaide between Victoria Street and King William Road

From 8.30pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, until 1:30am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.

• Pennington Terrace, North Adelaide between Palmer Place and King William Road
• Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, North Adelaide between Kermode Street and King William Road

From 9.00pm on Tuesday, December 31, 2024, until 1.30am on Wednesday, January 1, 2025.