3,000 police officers to patrol London’s streets during New Year’s Eve

More than 3,000 police will patrol the streets of central London on New Year’s Eve as Scotland Yard said security plans had been tightened after terrorist atrocities on the Continent. Scotland Yard said it was mounting a major operation to keep revelers safe in the capital in the wake of the attacks this year in Berlin, Nice, and Brussels.

Roads in the center of the city will be closed from 2 pm on Saturday including Lambeth, Westminster, Waterloo and Blackfriars bridges. Scotland Yard said their plan is “not the result of any specific intelligence” but the product of several months’ work. But police are also urging people to “do their bit” and be alert to and report anything suspicious.

“It is an exciting time of year and we want all who come to central London to have a good time.

“Officers have been planning for several months for New Year’s Eve, and that plan remains under constant review. This is not as a result of any specific intelligence.

“Officers will be out and about to deter criminals and keep crowds safe but we need you to do your bit to look after yourself and those around you as well.

-Detective superintendent Phil Langworthy, the Met’s spokesperson for New Year’s Eve, said.

“If you see anything suspicious or that causes you any concern please tell a police officer or steward. Keep an eye on your belongings and only bring what you need.

“Make sure you agree a meeting location should you become separated from your friends and family.

”I would also urge you to plan your journey. If you have a ticket for the fireworks, arrive in plenty of time as there will be search entries so it will take longer to get into the viewing area.”

The annual New Year’s Eve report from the Post Office found that 72 percent of people will be having a quiet night in, compared with 56 percent in 2011.