On the day that tickets for London’s New Year’s Eve firework display go on sale Caroline Pidgeon AM, Leader of the Liberal Democrat London Assembly Group, said:
“It was only last week that it was suddenly announced that the Mayor planned to scale down the New Year's Eve firework display to just 100,000 people who could afford to pay £10 for tickets, including children.
“The fact that tickets are going on sale today shows that a decision was made many months ago, yet the details of the contract have not come under any scrutiny at all. Sadly decisions made behind closed doors often end up with disastrous consequences.
“If the real aim was to manage crowds and protect public safety the far better option would have been to have further sponsored firework displays along the Thames, or in other locations across London.
“Instead the Mayor is foolishly making the New Year’s Eve firework display an exclusive event and providing massive opportunities to ticket touts. I also fear that far from protecting public safety there will be serious policing issues just outside the ‘pay zone’.
“The Mayor’s New Year Eve fireworks plans expose his total lack of ambition for London. It is possible to have New Year's Eve fireworks' displays in central London which are free, safe and accessible for everyone.”