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London prepares for New Year's Eve firework display London prepares for New Year's Eve firework display
(about 1 hour later)
Thousands of people are lining the banks of the Thames in London to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display.Thousands of people are lining the banks of the Thames in London to watch the New Year's Eve fireworks display.
Much of central London is closed to traffic but the Tube will run all night and most public transport will be free from 23:45 GMT until 04:30 GMT.Much of central London is closed to traffic but the Tube will run all night and most public transport will be free from 23:45 GMT until 04:30 GMT.
Mayor Boris Johnson said the fireworks would round off a year that "glimmered with excitement and enthusiasm".Mayor Boris Johnson said the fireworks would round off a year that "glimmered with excitement and enthusiasm".
Revellers have been advised to plan ahead and be prepared for large crowds.Revellers have been advised to plan ahead and be prepared for large crowds.
The viewing areas are likely to be full by 22:00 GMT, the mayor's office warned.The viewing areas are likely to be full by 22:00 GMT, the mayor's office warned.
Up to 250,000 people are expected to attend.Up to 250,000 people are expected to attend.
There will be free London travel on bus, Tube, tram and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from 11:45 GMT on New Year's Eve until 4:30 GMT on New Year's Day and on London Overground until the last trains.There will be free London travel on bus, Tube, tram and Docklands Light Railway (DLR) from 11:45 GMT on New Year's Eve until 4:30 GMT on New Year's Day and on London Overground until the last trains.
Shard lightingShard lighting
Western Europe's tallest building, the Shard near London Bridge, is marking the new year with a specially designed lighting sequence.Western Europe's tallest building, the Shard near London Bridge, is marking the new year with a specially designed lighting sequence.
The top of the building is being lit from 16:00 GMT, rising in intensity during the evening, with major changes planned for 22:00 GMT and 22:30 GMT.
However, The Shard will not be part of the fireworks display, which is centred around the Royal Festival Hall area of the South Bank.However, The Shard will not be part of the fireworks display, which is centred around the Royal Festival Hall area of the South Bank.
The Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London will run all night.The Tube, DLR, tram and selected National Rail services in Greater London will run all night.
Night buses and 24-hour bus routes will run as normal, but there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from about 17:00 GMT to about 03:00 GMT because of road closures.Night buses and 24-hour bus routes will run as normal, but there will be a reduction in bus services leaving central London from about 17:00 GMT to about 03:00 GMT because of road closures.
Mr Johnson said: "A fantastic mood of community has percolated the entire population of our city and beyond.Mr Johnson said: "A fantastic mood of community has percolated the entire population of our city and beyond.
"It's been a wonderful year, but believe me, 2013 is going to be every bit as exciting.""It's been a wonderful year, but believe me, 2013 is going to be every bit as exciting."
Following their work during the London 2012 Games, more than 150 Team London Ambassadors are volunteering during the New Year's Eve celebrations.Following their work during the London 2012 Games, more than 150 Team London Ambassadors are volunteering during the New Year's Eve celebrations.
They are giving out maps, helping direct people to the viewing areas and also providing guidance and advice on getting home safely.They are giving out maps, helping direct people to the viewing areas and also providing guidance and advice on getting home safely.