Revellers across London are set to have a smoother New Year celebration after Transport for London (TfL) has announced there will be free public transport available at selected times.

Travellers will be able to use the London Underground, bus, Overground, Docklands Light Railway and tram networks between 11.45pm on December 31st and 4.30am on January 1st free of charge.

London’s transport commissioner, Sir Peter Hendy, said: “Our priority is that passengers travelling on New Year’s Eve get home safely and plan ahead for their journey home.”

He also encouraged Londoners to plan their route home, using either pre-booked minicabs, licensed taxis in addition to the free transport on offer.

This should offset any disruption caused by road closures. TfL will shut many central London roads from 2pm on December 31st, and reopen them at 6am the following morning, to allow the New Year celebrations to be conducted safely.