Ken Livingstone, Mayor of London, has cancelled public celebrations on New Year's Eve this year, and Trafalgar Square will be closed.

Although the square has traditionally been at the centre of Britain's New Year celebrations - second only to Edinburgh - revellers will this year be excluded, and people are being encouraged not to come out at all.

Chief Superintendent Paul Toland, Deputy head of policing in the City of Westminster, said:

"Every New Year's Eve the police advise people to stay out of Central London and still thousands flock into Trafalgar Square. This year the pedestrian area will be shut reducing the amount of space available for you to celebrate in."

"Other areas such as Leicester Square and Parliament also see huge crowds so my advice really is see in the New Year close to home or at an organised event. This is the easiest way to avoid a lot of disappointment."

The mayor's web site carries a warning that: "Following advice from the Metropolitan Police, the central, pedestrian area of Trafalgar Square where crowds traditionally see in New Year's Eve will unfortunately be closed to the public this year.

"Work currently underway to create a grand new pedestrian piazza on the north side of the Square has reduced the area open to the public, making the space unsuitable for large gatherings."

It was only two years ago, going into 2001, that the Mayor's plans to turn the whole city into a vast party - with the help of Bob Geldof - had to be cancelled due to station closures and questions about crowd safety.

The Met's advice to steer clear of trouble this year, for revellers who still intend to head for the West End this New Year's Eve, is:

- Bear in mind the harsh weather conditions

- Take sensible crime prevention measures

- Watch your mobile phones and bags

- Only carry the minimum of money you need

- Don't wear expensive jewellery

Central London transport advice from the Met

Roads in and around Trafalgar Square will shut from 2000 on 31/12/02, Parliament Square from 2200 and from 2345 for Aldwych and Temple area. As a result of this there may be traffic congestion in the area and a number of bus stops will have to be temporarily relocated.