Police urge safe celebrations for New Year's Eve

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

“Police will be present at all major public events celebrating the arrival of the New Year,” he said. “This 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 everyone safe.”

South Australia Police want everyone to have a safe, happy, and incident-free New Year’s Eve. “Don’t welcome in 2025 in a police cell,” Assistant Commissioner Watkins emphasised.

He urged the community to plan their night out, considering transport, personal safety, and alcohol consumption in advance of the festivities. “Remember to comply with dry zones which will apply at various events across the state,” he said.

“This celebration is not an excuse for drunken violent behaviour. People who conduct themselves in this way – particularly if they disrupt 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.”

Assistant Commissioner Watkins also urged partygoers 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.”

Adelaide and North Adelaide Road closures include:

• King William Street (northbound carriageways) 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 only)

Between 7.00am on Tuesday 31 December 2024 and 3.00am on Wednesday 1 January 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 metres east.
• Sir Edwin Smith Avenue, North Adelaide, between Kermode Street and Brougham Place (single eastbound lane closure, Adelaide Metro Buses exempt)

Between 3.00pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024 and 1.30am on Wednesday 1 January 2025.

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

Between 8.30pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024 and 1:30am on Wednesday 1 January 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

Between 9.00pm on Tuesday 31 December 2024 and 1.30am on Wednesday 1 January 2025.