Northern Territory Police have successfully applied to Darwin City Council to have a section of Mitchell Street closed for New Years Eve.

The application was made as part of the New Years Eve road safety campaign to stop traffic from entering the area due to expected, large numbers of pedestrians.

Acting Commander Mark Christopher said mixing cars, people and alcohol is asking for disaster.

"We are expecting high numbers of people to attend the Mitchell Street entertainment precinct for New Years Eve celebrations.

"Closing this small section of road is a simple road safety measure with minimum inconvenience to drivers.

"We don't want people seeing in the New Year in an ambulance, from a hospital bed or worse." Acting Commander Christopher concluded.

No vehicles except emergency vehicles will be permitted access to the section of Mitchell Street between Peel Street and Knuckey Street between 6pm 31 December until 7am, 1 January 2011.

This section of road closure will not impact on access to the secure taxi rank or the Northern Territory Government Starlight Express free bus service.

The public are reminded that alcohol may only be consumed within licensed premises in this area and cannot be consumed on Mitchell Street itself.

Media Contact
Katie Fowden
8901 0281