London is preparing for its world-famous New Year's Eve fireworks display, and with the spectacular show comes significant travel changes across the capital. Transport for London (TfL) and the Mayor's office have released detailed plans for road and bridge closures to ensure public safety during the celebrations on Wednesday, 31 December 2025.
Key Road Closures and Timings for New Year's Eve
Drivers are urged to avoid central London throughout New Year's Eve, with a phased closure system rolling out from the early afternoon. The first major shutdowns begin at 2:00 PM, focusing on the Westminster and St James's Park areas. This initial wave includes iconic thoroughfares such as The Mall, Whitehall, Parliament Street, and Trafalgar Square's perimeter roads.
A second phase of closures commences from 5:00 PM, affecting roads around Lambeth and the South Bank, including sections of Belvedere Road and York Road. By 6:00 PM, further streets in the Millbank and Pimlico areas will close, followed by a 7:00 PM shutdown around Blackfriars Bridge and Ludgate Hill.
The final wave of road closures starts at 8:00 PM, encompassing major junctions like Hyde Park Corner, sections of Shaftesbury Avenue, and approaches to Vauxhall Bridge. A comprehensive map of all affected routes is available on the official Mayor of London website.
Complete List of Affected Bridges
River crossings will be heavily impacted, with closures timed to manage crowd flow and ensure viewing areas are safe. Westminster Bridge and the Golden Jubilee Footbridges will be the first to close to all traffic, including pedestrians, from 2:00 PM.
Lambeth Bridge follows with a full closure from 6:00 PM, while Blackfriars Bridge and the Millennium Footbridge will shut from 7:00 PM. Southwark Bridge is scheduled to close later in the evening at 10:00 PM, with Vauxhall Bridge closing around midnight.
For those wondering about other key crossings, both London Bridge and Tower Bridge will remain open throughout the night. However, authorities note that the view of the fireworks from these bridges is not ideal due to the bend in the River Thames.
Planning Your Journey and Staying Informed
With extensive closures in place, planning ahead is essential for anyone travelling in London on December 31. Public transport, particularly the Underground and buses, will be the most reliable way to navigate the city, though services will be extremely busy. Several Tube stations near the viewing areas may also operate exit-only restrictions or close temporarily.
Transport for London has advised that additional bridges in central London may close at short notice if required for public safety. Revellers and commuters are encouraged to check the latest travel updates via TfL's website or social media channels throughout the day.
The iconic fireworks display, launched from the London Eye on the South Bank, attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. These detailed traffic management plans are a crucial part of facilitating a safe and enjoyable celebration as the capital welcomes 2026.
