Festive Partygoers Urged to Plan Journey Home

Festive partygoers are being urged to plan ahead so they get home safe and sound after their Christmas party.

Organisers of Glasgow's Festive Safety campaign are encouraging people to use phone apps and websites that help with organising transport at the end of a big night out.

Following the successful launch of the Choose Public Transport campaign, revellers can use the www.travelinescotland.com website and phone app to identify the best public transport options for getting from A to B. Or Christmas partygoers can beat the crowds and bad weather by downloading a licensed taxi firm's app before heading out and pre-booking their journey home.

Partners from Glasgow City Council, Police Scotland, the British Transport Police, Strathclyde Partnership for Transport, Home Safe Marshals and other voluntary support group will all be providing their services on Friday and Saturday nights throughout December to ensure the celebrations go smoothly.

Council officers in high-vis jackets will be on hand to offer advice and support to anyone who has become separated from friends, has lost their mobile phones or need directions. They'll be supporting officers from Police Scotland who will be on the look-out for any alcohol fuelled crime and antisocial behaviour.

And the city's famous Street Pastors will also be on patrol to help anyone in need. A Safe Zone has also been set up at the Tron Church in Nelson Mandela Square where anyone vulnerable due to excessive alcohol consumption will be taken by the team and minor injuries can be treated.

Home Safe Marshals will also manage taxi queues at Nitezones in Gordon Street, Sauchiehall Street and West George Street.

All the partners will be in contact with each other via radio links and will also be in touch with the City Operations Centre at Eastgate.

As the festive fun ramps up, the safety team has issued a few tips to help people ensure their nights out are memorable for all the right reasons.

Lise Fisher of Glasgow City Council which runs Best Bar None Glasgow said: : "Glasgow is full of fantastic pubs, clubs and restaurants and they will all be incredibly busy during the build-up to Christmas. People from all across Scotland will flock to Glasgow in the coming weeks to capture some of our famous festive spirit and we want to ensure everyone has a brilliant time before heading home safely.

"It might seem mundane when there are Christmas parties to attend and festive events to head to but planning your journey home is so important. When you've made it home safe and sound after a great night out and you're all wrapped up warm , you'll be glad you planned ahead."

Tips include:-
•    Ensure your mobile phone is fully charged before heading out
•    Choose a rendezvous point with friends in case you get separated
•    Arrange your transport home in advance by pre-booking a taxi, checking the time of the last train or bus home or locating the nearest Nitezone to your chosen venue.
•    Pace your alcohol consumption and keep money in reserve to pay for your journey home
•    Check out the city's Best Bar None venues where staff are trained to safeguard vulnerable people. Best Bar None Glasgow

Glasgow City Centre Area Commander, Chief Inspector John McCartin, said: "The festive period is always a busy time in the city centre, with people out shopping or enjoying nights out.

"Together with Glasgow City Council and other partners, we're working to keep everyone safe and ensure visitors have a great experience. We want people to have fun during the party season, but it's important to drink responsibly and plan your journey home in advance.

"Our officers will be patrolling the city centre and visiting licensed premises to provide reassurance to the public. They will also be on hand to deal with any incidents of alcohol-related violence or anti-social behaviour, helping to maintain a safe and welcoming environment. If you're out shopping, remember to keep an eye on your belongings. Don't leave your shopping bags unattended, make sure your bag is closed, and keep your purse or wallet secure.

"Our goal is to ensure everyone has a happy and safe Christmas and New Year."