There are a number of side street closures now in effect around Rockefeller Center.

From 10:00 a.m. until midnight on weekends, vehicles are banned on 49th and 50th Streets between Fifth and Sixth Avenues.

And on Fifth Avenue — from 48th to 52nd Streets — the lane nearest the sidewalk on both sides of the street will be turned into extra space for people walking around.

These rules are also in effect during weekday afternoons.

This is all part of the city's plan to make the area safer during the busy holiday season.

However, the Firefighters Union warns that this could slow down emergency response times and cause city-wide gridlock.

The changes last through New Year's Day.