South Australia Police are urging New Year’s Eve revellers to not over-do the party; warning officers will take a strong stand against violent or disorderly behaviour.
Assistant Commissioner Narelle Kameniar said a New Year’s Eve operation will start at 3pm on Thursday 31 December until 7am on Friday 1 December.
“Police will be at all the major public events celebrating the arrival of the New Year,” she said.
“That includes events in regional centres such as Victor Harbor and Wallaroo as well as the Adelaide CBD, Glenelg and Semaphore.
“The community will see a full range of policing resources – traffic patrols, dogs, horses, bike patrols, public transport teams, uniformed officers and other specialist members – out and about to keep the community safe.
“South Australia Police want everyone to have a safe, happy and incident free New Year’s Eve – don’t welcome in 2024 in a police cell,” she said.
Assistant Commissioner Kameniar urged the community to plan their night out – thinking about transport, personal safety and their alcohol consumption in advance of the festivities.
“Remember to comply with dry zones which will apply at various events across the state,” she said.
“This celebration is not an excuse for drunken violent behaviour and people who conduct themselves in this way – particularly if they upset the celebrations of others – can expect police to be speaking with them on the night.
“Please drink in moderation and stay in control of your behaviour. Know how you’re getting home before the evening starts. Use public transport or taxis where possible, and please be patient with other commuters waiting for these services.
“I would also urge party-goers to take care of their friends, especially if they’ve been drinking. Intoxicated people are very vulnerable and can end up as victims of serious offences, including sexual and physical assaults, often without a clear recollection of what occurred.”
“Our major state-wide road safety operation, Safe Holiday, will be fully operational on the night, with widespread random alcohol and drug testing.”
Road closures include:
- Adelaide CBD road closures effective from 9pm 31 December to 1.30am 1 January:
King William Road – between North Terrace and War Memorial Drive;
King William Street – between Grenfell Street and North Terrace;
Victoria Drive – between Kintore Avenue and King William Road.
- Adelaide CBD road closures effective on 1 January from 12.30am to 1.30am:
War Memorial Drive – between the footbridge and King William Road.
- Adelaide CBD road closures effective on 31 December from 4pm until midnight:
War Memorial Drive – between Montefiore Road and King William Road;
Pennington Terrace – between Montefiore Road and King William Road.
- Semaphore road closures effective from 10.30pm on 31 December to 1am on 1 January:
Semaphore Road – between Military Road and Esplanade;
Esplanade – between Hall Street and South Terrace.
