At the fireworks

The fireworks display viewing areas have a limited capacity of 180,000 people, and start getting full from 2100 onwards.

You can also view the fireworks live on BBC One.

Meeting up with friends is easiest and safest before you set out. Remember large crowds make stations and other well-known landmarks such as Nelson’s Column an unsuitable meeting place.

Keep in touch and up to date. Ensure you will be able to contact friends and family, should you become separated from the group. Sign up to our regular event updates on Twitter, to ensure that you are updated when viewing areas close, and if there is an issue with public transport.

Special effects and noise - the fireworks and lighting display will feature loud noises and lighting effects.

First aid. While we hope you won’t require first aid assistance, St John Ambulance, which has significant experience of dealing with the capital's largest events, will have 13 treatment centres along the Thames and in central locations. St John Ambulance London (Prince of Wales’s) District also say that if you need it, don't forget to bring along medication.

Lost property can cause a security alert which could disrupt your night. Keep your possessions with you at all times – particularly while travelling.

If you have attended the event in previous years, access to the viewing areas, walking routes and station closures have changed for 2009, therefore please consult the viewing area map. The one thing that doesn’t change is that once viewing areas are full they will close (we count people entering these areas to ensure we don’t exceed a safe capacity). Check out the viewing area plan.

Be alert for any unattended bags or suspect packages. If you see something that looks suspicious, please contact an Event Steward, Police Officer or a member of Transport for London staff.

Toilets, first aid: if you need the toilets or first aid facilities in the area of the fireworks, please ask a member of staff or check the viewing area plan.

Mobile phone networks may not be available due to volume of calls.

Pickpockets operate in large crowds so keep your valuables well hidden – or leave them at home.

Lost property can cause a security alert which could disrupt your night. Keep your possessions with you at all times –  particularly while travelling.

Please drink responsibly, and bring all New Year cheer in plastic bottles or cans. No glass please! Please remember drinking alcohol or carrying open containers of alcohol is banned on Tube, bus, DLR, London Overground and tram services.

HAVE A HAPPY - AND SAFE – NEW YEAR!