Monaco rang in the New Year with grandeur and vigilance as thousands gathered across the Principality for celebrations that were largely incident-free. Enhanced police measures, implemented following two recent road accidents, ensured public safety during the festivities, which included a vibrant ball at the Christmas market, a dazzling fireworks display, and gatherings at iconic locations like the Place du Casino.
Lionel Beffre, Monaco’s Minister of the Interior, reflected on the night’s success in an interview with Monaco-Matin; “It was busier than usual, with over 4,200 people at the Christmas market, 1,200 on the Darse Sud, and 3,500 on the Place du Casino. Despite the crowds, incidents were minimal, with no mass arrests and only a few isolated cases of public drunkenness,” he noted. Police issued just four speeding tickets during routine checks, and a single road accident was reported early in the morning.
The most notable event occurred at approximately 5:30 a.m. in the Rainier-III tunnel, where a driver under the influence of alcohol lost control of his vehicle and struck a wall. Fortunately, the incident resulted in no serious injuries. The driver, a French employee working in Monaco, was found to have a blood alcohol level of nearly 0.7 mg/l and is set to appear in court in March. “This underscores the need for continued checks; despite repeated warnings, some individuals still make dangerous choices.” Beffre told the local French paper.
The heightened police presence, with 70 to 80 officers deployed, and a robust series of daily road checks since mid-December played a significant role in deterring unsafe behaviour. Over 60 checks conducted by December 30 resulted in 200 tickets for offences ranging from speeding to driving under the influence. These efforts are set to continue selectively, focusing on weekends and peak times, supported by legislation anticipated later this month to expand the scope of random breathalyser tests.
Authorities also engaged Monaco’s nightlife venues and taxi services to enhance safety. Bars were encouraged to distribute flyers and work with Be Safe, an association providing free shuttle services, while taxi operators increased availability to reduce the risk of impaired driving.
