After years of preparation, the Olympic Games are here and it is expected that four million extra visitors will descend on London for the 16 days of the competition.
The 109 mile Olympic Route Network is now in operation from 6am to midnight every day. No stopping or loading is allowed on roads in the network.
There are about 30 miles of “games lanes” which are dedicated to Olympic traffic, although Transport for London said they would operate flexibly and remain open to all traffic if demand from vehicles carrying athletes officials and media was low and journey time reliability targets are being met.
Natalie Chapman, head of policy for London at the Freight Transport Association, said: “Now the games are finally here, we have to be ready for the unexpected. There will be vehicle breakdowns, collisions, burst water mains and protests – all of which will impact on London’s congested road network.”
TfL’s advice is to avoid central London, around the ORN, and the venues.
TfL is issuing twice daily information bulletins. Further information is available at GetAheadoftheGames.com
The FTA has launched a microsite for the Olympics: www.fta.co.uk/olympics