Richmond Park is closing early to stop New Year's Eve gatherings and prevent a rise in covid cases.

The park is usually open 24 hours a day to pedestrians - except during the deer cull months.

The charity which runs it, Royal Parks, said: "The park's pedestrian gates will close at 8pm on New Year's Eve to protect the health of visitors by limiting the spread of the coronavirus through large gatherings following the announcement that London has moved into Tier 4. In previous years, large numbers of people have attended the park to see in the New Year.

"The pedestrian gates will reopen by 6am on New Year's Day and people will be able to visit the park as usual.

"Vehicle gates will close and open at the usual times.

"The temporary closure has been requested by, and will be managed by, the Met Police."

No all night tubes

Transport for London's managing director Vernon Everitt said: "With no public event to attend or late-night hospitality, our Tube and Rail services will not run all night on New Year's Eve. Buses will run a Saturday service through the night.

"Customers who do need to use the transport network should complete their journeys as early as possible and before midnight.

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"You must not travel into central London on New Year's Eve unless this is for work or other legally permitted reasons."

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