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London drivers will have to give way to Olympic traffic in 2012
Matthew Beard, Olympics Editor29 Jul 2010
London drivers face major delays during the Olympics as key routes will be blocked to the public, it was revealed today.
Mayor Boris Johnson warned the city to expect congestion as he unveiled plans for special “VIP” lanes for Olympic traffic.
Drivers will be banned from the lanes on routes through the West End in a bid to get athletes and organisers to the 2012 site on time.
At least 60 miles of roads, including parts of the Embankment, will have priority lanes for officially accredited Olympic vehicles only. The lanes, typically operating between 6am and midnight, will form part of 104-mile network in the capital during the weeks of the Olympics.
Mr Johnson said today: “It will mean inconvenience for London drivers for 17 days of the games.
“I can't pretend that during that period you will be able to bomb along the Embankment. I hope that Londoners will understand that some modest inconvenience at Games time is a price worth paying for a happy Olympic and Paralympic Games.”
Other roads will be open to the public but face restrictions designed to speed up traffic.
Traffic lights will be phased green for Games vehicles, parking bays and pedestrian zones will be suspended and side roads will be closed.
The clampdown will dwarf road restrictions imposed for the London marathon or Notting Hill carnival.
Routes will be monitored by CCTV mobile patrols and motorists who flout the rules will be fined £200.
There are fears that the network, which will start in July 2012 and be scaled down for the Paralympics until early September, will both disrupt commuters and damage businesses.
Buses on key routes will be sent on diversion, parking bay suspensions will affect delivery drivers and taxis will be banned from the Olympic-only lanes.
But as they unveiled the Olympic Route Network today, Games chiefs said it was essential for the smooth-running of the Olympics and would let them guarantee travel times.
Games chiefs said just 2.6 per cent of London's roads would be affected by the restrictions and one per cent would have priority lanes. Non-essential roadworks will be banned.
The network will be used by 82,000 athletes, officials, VIPs, sponsors and media in chartered buses or cars.
Olympic Delivery Authority chairman John Armitt said: “Where Games lanes are required there will inevitably be some temporary disruption to everyday life, but we must give athletes the best chance to train and compete effectively. That means ensuring they get to their events on time and minimising the time they spend travelling.”
Some routes will have priority lanes in force every day, including Victoria Embankment, Blackwall Tunnel approach and A2203 through north Greenwich, Stratford High Street and other A roads surrounding the Olympic Park.
The network will extend by 172 miles outside London to rowing in Eton, white water canoeing in Broxbourne, Herts, mountain biking near Southend and sailing in Weymouth.
What the colours mean
Yellow route
Roads on this route will have a dedicated “Olympic-only” lane for athletes, officials, VIPs, sponsors and media. The lanes will be in force from 6am until midnight
Red route
Roads on this route, the busiest “core section” of the VIP network, will be affected by major restrictions to speed up traffic but will be fully open to the public. Measures could include bans on parking and right-turns, suspension of pedestrian crossings, phasing of traffic lights and no public entry from side roads.
Blue route
Roads on this route will only be affected on competition days. They will run from the athletes' accommodation to venues such as Wembley Arena, Earls Court and Wimbledon.
Areas affected:
Central London:
Park Lane, Hyde Park Corner, Constitution Hill, Birdcage Walk, Horse Guards Road, The Mall, Trafalgar Square, Parliament Square, Parliament Street, Whitehall, Victoria Embankment, Strand, Aldwych, Kingsway, Southampton Road, Oxford Street, Baker Street, Gloucester Place, Park Road, Marylebone Road.
Olympic Park approaches:
A106 between Temple Mills Road and Blackwall Tunnel Approach.
A112 between Temple Mills Lane and Angel Lane.
A11 between Bromley-by-Bow and West Ham Lane.
A1203 (The Highway) between Tower Hill and Lower Lea Crossing.
A13 East India Dock Road.
Greenwich:
Seagull Lane to Connaught Bridge
A102 Millennium Way.
A1020 Lower Lea Crossing to North Greenwich Road.
A2203 Horn Lane.
B210 Shooters Hill Road.
Charlton Park Lane.
Park Vista.
Maze Hill.
Q&A
What's happening today?
Games chiefs are publishing detals of the roads that will be affected by the “VIP route” to speed up Olympic traffic in 2012.
How do the priority Olympic lanes work?
They will be open to Games vehicles and emergency services only. Lanes may run in one or both directions. The 60-mile route counts lanes in both directions. They will be mainly on the offside, or “fast lane”. Motorways will have few traffic management measures.
How will it affect me?
If you live or work near sports venues such as the Olympic Park, Greenwich, Lord's cricket ground, Earl's Court or Wimbledon, you may be affected. Embankment/Upper Thames Street will also be heavily used by VIPs moving between Park Lane and Stratford.
What do the critics say?
VIPs could stay in Canary Wharf/City hotels instead of Park Lane to cut their commute to Stratford. Olympic route privileges could be removed from the 25,000 sponsors.
What will they travel in?
Charter coaches for athletes, media and sponsors, BMW limousines for VIPS.
Has the route been used before?
They were introduced at the 2000 Sydney Olympics after athletes arrived late at the Atlanta Games. Athens, Beijing and Vancouver also used the lanes. As host city London is obliged to provide “safe, secure and reliable” transport services.
Who's in charge?
The Olympic Route Network was designated by the transport secretary in 2008. The ODA designed the network. Measures will be enforced on major roads by Transport for London and on other routes by local authorities.
What happens next?
Traffic Regulation Orders, the equivalent of planning applications. Testing starts in summer 2012.
Reader views (63)
Why not allow buses & taxis in the lanes? This will discourage car use and make for more flexible use of road space. I remember the transport fiasco for the Millenium event 11 years ago where buses were banned along with cars making every one attending depend on one tube station or walk at least 1 mile each way.
- Mike J, Croydon, 14/11/2011 12:04
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The primary issue for me is the road closures that may destroy my business. Why doesn't anyone say exactly what dates all these roads will be shut. I can just about make my business survive a 2 week shut down...but in some places it looks like 10 weeks.
I used to think Tanni Grey Thompson was great...not so sure now. She seems to think it unfair that it might take an athlete a couple of hours to get to their venues...has she ever tried the daily commute that the rest of us do all the time? If you want to get there on time then stay near the venue Tanni!
By the way...how many people actually attend athletics other than when it's the olympics? When I happen upon it on TV the venue is usually more populated by athletes than spectators...why do we give these people money that could be better spent elsewhere?
- JL, London, UK, 11/07/2011 18:13
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Just come back to this page to get the map...
I'm embarrassed by all the pathetic whining on here. Utterly ridiculous. The famous 'blitz spirit' from WW2 has clearly not been passed on.
You have been given years of warning of the disruption that this historic *TWO WEEK* event is going to cause to a few roads and a few trains. So plan ahead, grow a spine and get a grip of yourselves.
If you are planning to leave London during the Olympics, I doubt your moaning will be missed. Enjoy your holiday while the rest of us enjoy this once in a lifetime experience.
- Steve, London, 15/02/2011 11:52
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Matt, London England, writes re. the Olympics: "Small price to pay", "once in a lifetime experience", "Lets get behind it", "proud to be British", blah, blah, blah.
Is this guy for REAL?
- Croyboy, Croydon, UK, 31/07/2010 09:47
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"It is time this glorified school sports day was abandoned. It is basically a freak show. Who wants to see people who can run a bit faster, throw something or can just hop about"
Not a sports fan Dave?
Isn't it a shame we do much better at this "sports day" then we do in the muti-million pound business of football with its overpaid pampered players!
- Mark, Watford, 30/07/2010 23:54
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It is time this glorified school sports day was abandoned. It is basically a freak show. Who wants to see people who can run a bit faster, throw something or can just hop about. Pathetic!
- Dave, Devon, 30/07/2010 14:52
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Well said Alan.. Long lasting legacy, local footballers sacrificing their pitches to accomodates these so called Coaches to take athletes to and from games...Taking away the longest legacy we have in Hackney Marshes to accomodate something which won't be hardly used....
Shame, a quarter of that money , would of given footballers, better changing facilities and pitches.
Can local footballers, use the stadiums for their Cup finals?
- adrian, london, 30/07/2010 11:59
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East London becomes gridlocked each week day at rush hour and the trains are full to bursting point. How on earth are we going to manage with the addition of all these people coming to watch the games?
- Jo, E London, UK, 30/07/2010 06:47
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obscured number plate on me motorbike then.
Feck Boris complete arrrse.
- simone, kingston, 29/07/2010 23:29
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Abandon hope all ye who enter those lanes...what a load of old bollocks this Olympic Farce has become. It's worse than the charade that the World Cup has turned into - and that's saying something!
- ID, Brighton UK, 29/07/2010 23:14
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Small price to pay I say. It is the Olympics in London after all, a once in a lifetime experience. Lets get behind it and support it. For those out there that are proud to be British it is very exciting when we get win medals and if it inspires some more kids to do the same at the following olympics thats great. I for one cant wait.
- Matt, London England, 29/07/2010 22:52
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Just a thought. If some fair minded and concerned philanthrope was to cough up a grand to cover the fines, considerable impact could be imparted with 5 white vans at a carefully chosen time and date in the olympic calender, n'est pas?
- trip hazard, cambridge, 29/07/2010 22:43
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As a london cabbie I shall be working hard for the next 2 years so I can bu*g*r off when this happens. Most of my mates in the game intend being away as well. London will be gridlocked for days so a few vips can lead the high life in the west end hotels. The 5 or 6 nice hotels around Canary Wharf are not good enough for them, to far away from the west end's nightlife. I have been told by a few people in the know that all the eastern europeon working girls have booked their tickets already to make a big killing in town during July & August 2012. I suppose the drug dealers are stocking up supplies as well.
- Del, London UK, 29/07/2010 22:14
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Sod the olympics.
- Steve, Brentford, 29/07/2010 21:21
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The thought that the extra Council Tax I am having to pay for this event will finance VIPs riding around in 1st class traffic lanes whilst the ordinary Londoner is shoved into a 2nd class lane makes my blood boil.
We've had 13 years of a Government that widened the gap between rich and poor. We have the fat cats and the banks still paying themselves exhorbitant salaries, bonuses and pensions.
The country is crying out for a more equitable society. And what we don't need right now is Olympic Fat Cats. How many receptions and glasses of wine will be flowing on the back of our money?
- Janet, London, UK, 29/07/2010 20:02
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Vienna managed to give residents and visitors free transport for the entire 2 weeks in the city during the European Football championships a couple of years ago. Thats the metro the buses, trams and trains. What will Boris and TFL give us in London.?
- Mr S.Port, London, 29/07/2010 19:32
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Isn't that why we build Olympic Villages, so they are there on site?
- John Prescott, London, 29/07/2010 19:24
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I feel sorry for Londoners and am glad I live in Cardiff.
That's because Londoners are stumping up a shedload of money, and their lives will be disrupted by arrangements for the Olympic Games, which the vast majority will only be able to watch on television just like the rest of us in the UK.
So Londoners are copping all the disadvantages. Merely a small minority will experience any lasting benefit after the Games.
If only Paris had won! Parisians could have enjoyed all the expense and inconvenience, whilst the Games on television from Paris would have been no different from the Games on television from London.
The keen sports fans who wanted to spend money on tickets swould just have had to spend a bit more on hopping over to Paris to support their hobby! Then Londoners, like everyone else in the UK, could have taken or left the Olympics, got on with undisrupted lives, etc.
- Mike, Cardiff UK, 29/07/2010 18:38
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Surely VIPs and other undesirables should stay closer to the East End and not clutter up Park Lane etc. Is there a real need for this ? 30,000 of them ?
As for the £200 fine for other motorists if they stray into the VIP lanes, this is a disgrace.
- michael, London, UK, 29/07/2010 18:37
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What your correspondents from America, England do not grasp we have a new political order in England. The day of the official for life, who stay in luxury hotels in the West End, or Celebrities that are worshiped as ikons is over. Quire simply as our Prime Minister has said, its is you the people, that must become involved. Quite simply we want sporting facilities for our young, throughout the land. We do not want officials riding about in special designated lanes, staying in luxury hotels, they are simply not welcome here. its not socialism, which is the power of the state, but individualism, the power of the person for the community. not sure Americans will grasp this, but then every new political idea came from Britain. Proclaim it throughout the world. People must make up their own mind, become involved, not rely on some politician to do it for them.
- ALAN., ENGLAND, 29/07/2010 18:36
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NO NO NO
Why should millions of people be affected for a few 'special VIPs' ???
And as for the lanes being restricted for only 17 days - we'll see. I bet it's more likely months as they'll want to use them for a while beforehand on the pretence of ensuring it all runs smoothly.
- JL, London, 29/07/2010 18:12
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The greenest games ever? So every Olympian, athlete and official will be banned from using their cars during the games. The car park for 5000 cars at the new shopping center will be closed during the games. Football pitches used by local tarmacademed over for the games will be re-turfed and returned to local footballers. Lets hope Lord Seb Coe, politicians and IOC officials involved in the games will donate their salaries for sporting facilities for the young in East london. sorry must be dreaming, but i wish.
- ALAN., ENGLAND, 29/07/2010 18:07
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For goodness' sake Evening Standard, can't you sort out the glitch you obviously have in the comments section of ALL your articles?
Isn't it someone's job to keep an eye on such things?
- Croyboy, Croydon, UK, 29/07/2010 17:58
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I take the congestion charge will be suspended for the period of the distruption?
- Paul, London, 29/07/2010 17:57
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Wow - what a miserable bunch of moaners. With a bit of luck, those of you complaining about not being able to get to work on time, will still HAVE jobs to go to. Plenty of people don't have jobs right now!!!! I'm sure that a the inconvenience of being a bit late for work in 2012 would be offset by the luxury of having a steady, livable income. I was in Sydney for the 2000 Olympics and I can honestly say that I've never met a more positive, upbeat bunch of people in my whole life. So, come on - try really hard to look on the bright side and give the rest of the world the opportunity to have an unforgettable experience such as I had in Sydney. Being nice might even feel good if you give it a shot.
- Christine, New Hampshire, USA, 29/07/2010 17:42
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Give each of the Olympic Officials and VIPs one of Boris's new fangled bikes and let them cycle there.
- Janet, London, UK, 29/07/2010 15:19
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i i find it unbelievable that people are moaning about the opportunity to watch a one legged person from katmandu running backwards eating a tree and jumping over a hurdle,,,and i am quite prepared to put up with the inconvenience that this causes...and i think its a really good idea that people who live here probably wont even manage to see it,especially as we didnt want it in the first place,,,and i am delighted to know that i will be paying it back for the next million years.and that it wont be used for anything for years afterwards ,,same as the o2 opened so that tony bliar had some where to go on new years eve,,,i also dont mind getting the sack cause i cant get into work,,,how selfish would that be of me.....to moan about traffic jams ...and how good to know that we can afford it,,not like those selfish people with cancer who want some drugs so they can stay alive,,what a cheek they got,,,,,,we want gold medals,not nurses,,or help for the elderly.......at last this country has got its priorities right......about time the tax payers were put in their place,,,,,your job is to pay for things not to have an opinion...so pack it in...
- auld lang syne, crowborough, 29/07/2010 15:18
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Moan, moan, moan, moan... people come on! It's the OLYMPICS in LONDON!! Be PROUD!
- Kris, London, 29/07/2010 15:17
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Complete waste of time and money. Now the transport system will suffer because of even more inept and incompetent organisation. Is this the best solition they can come up with? Don't they know how to plan ahead?
And they expect the great unwashed to wait in jams while 'VIPs' take priority? We'll be paying for these 'People's Games' for decades. It isn't just 17 days!
And when they sell the stadium to West Ham/Spurs, do we get some of our taxes back?
- Ian Kemp, London, 29/07/2010 15:12
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It would be a nice gesture if Boris suspended the congestion charge for 2 weeks so that Londoners don't have to pay for officially-caused congestion.
Mind you, he might not get re-elected in the May election if he doesn't keep his promise to get London moving again.
Some restrictions that would speed up traffic for the majority would be appreciated, please. Cracking down on unending roadworks in 2010/11 would be a start.
How about scrapping under-occupied bus lanes that just waste road space, and putting in some extra car parking spaces to replace the space lost to the £140 million bike rental gimmick?
- Jools, London, 29/07/2010 14:43
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Embrace it!! You will be long gone & the Olympic event will still be continuing. Yes, our city is flawed, but find me one that isn't. Why not encourage our youth to be inspired to be the best they can be, rather than complianing & only thinking of yourselves? So what if it takes you a bit longer to get to work - our wonderful city will be the focus of the world. Lets make it THE event to be proud of instead of moaning - it affects you whether you like it or not!!
- Opus,, London, 29/07/2010 14:40
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Has anyone tried travelling around London at the moment. Main tube stations are regularly closed to prevent overcrowing, travelling by bus down Oxford Street or Piccadilly can take half an hour and even walking in the West End is a nightmare. Now we have to put up with cossetted Olympic officials being given presidential privileges in order to travel from A to B to give them the impression that London is a smoothly run City. I would leave if I could find a road that wasn't blocked.
- paul c, London, 29/07/2010 14:21
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I for one cannot wait for the London Olympics. Most people in this city are too fat or stupid to take part in or follow sports. All they come up with is negativity about how it will effect their journey to and from work. Get out of your cars, get on a bike and get a life you saddos!
- MC, London, 29/07/2010 14:11
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I wondered how the spectators might manage to get out to the olympic site in time every day, but it appears neither of them are too bothered.......
- trip hazard, cambridge, 29/07/2010 13:54
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Won't bother me, I'll be abroad - plenty of time to book ahead. Whoever really wants to watch 'running, jumping and standing-still' games?
- Steve, London, England, 29/07/2010 13:44
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Who can run the fastest, who can chuck stuff the furthest, who can jump the highest?
Yawn .....xxxxxxxx Dreaming of old primary school activities.....
Oh hang on there's also who can ride a bike the fastest and who can jump a horse the best and let's not forget who can swim in a pretty pattern better than anyone else.
Wow I can't wait ! Of course I'll miss all of the events because of the insane amount of traffic and poor tube system. I'm glad the corporate sponsors will get there on time though and the invited guests, dignitaries (who are they anyhow), celebs (it'll be the must be seen at event of 2012). In fact will there be any tickets for locals or will that be considered discriminatory?
- Pete, London, 29/07/2010 13:40
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You could always try a positive spin on this. If you live in or near the area, rent out your house for the two weeks and go on holiday. You get a tan and some extra money. Win win.
- Geraldine, London (South East), 29/07/2010 13:33
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Yeah we know where they are going to park, after all we lost our famous 'East Marsh' pitches to these greedy people. Surely they haven't seen East london, when it comes to a grid lock..great thinking Sir Coe...
Love to see the long lasting legacy , seeing that poor stadium left unused..
- adrian, london, 29/07/2010 13:13
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This was always going to happen, it's not a surprise, so let's stop all the moaning. The Olympics are HUGE, nothing else will go on in London during the Games and I don't think people realise just how huge they will be. I'd much rather have a bit of inconvenience than the embarrassment of Olympic competitors and officials stuck in traffic! We need to show the world what a great city we are and how organised we can be! We can do it, but only if we all pull together. Let's take a bit of pride and pull together, and if you really don't want to be part of it, then go on holiday for those weeks!
- Simon, London, 29/07/2010 13:08
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Jason, London
Inconvenience for one month out of a lifetime? Surely you mean paying for it for the next 50!
- SMB, London, UK, 29/07/2010 12:39
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In expressing real concern, people aren't being miserable for the sake of it.
Wake up and smell the coffee: people have to get to work, Carers have to get to housebound vulnerable elderly people several times a day, businesses have to run. Get it!
The life of London can't come to a standstill just because those who are interested in Sport want to take over the city for themselves to the detriment of everyone else.
- Janet, London, UK, 29/07/2010 12:29
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Wow. Do some of you spend your lives sitting by your keyboards just waiting for an opportunity to moan about something that will likely have little/no impact on you anyway?
The spotlight of the world will be on London & if things are not organised effectively, the same people will no doubt all be on here in 24 months time complaining about the embarrassment heaped on London / Britain at not being able to implement a major event successfully.
Everyone is now getting 2 years notice of the sort of things that will be going on and the impact it all might have.
Nothing is going to change that so be positive, get on with it, businesses need to prepare for that 4 week period (and if they are smart, find ways to embrace it to their advantage), and let's hope it's a half decent affair, rather than spending the next 2 years emdlessly complaining about every reference to it or wishing it to fail while boring the life out of the rest of us.
- GS, London, 29/07/2010 12:28
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Spot on Sally Mills and Alan!!
Approx 80% of Londoners didn't want the games in the first place but we'll be paying for it for decades to come.
Utter farce!!!
- karenf, London, 29/07/2010 12:25
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And how are they going to stop illegally parked vans and cyclists blocking it up?
- BJ, East London, 29/07/2010 12:07
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Let them cycle in the new blue cycling super-highways.
- Bloke, Lambeth, 29/07/2010 12:00
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In some ways I agree with Sally Mills. For £25m I am sure that a reasonable adequate 5 star hotel could have been built in Docklands to house all the oficials in the manner required.
- Patrick, Dalston, 29/07/2010 11:48
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They can close as many miles of roads as they want. The elephant in the room that no-one dares mention is public transport: getting thousands of people to East London on time is going to result in athletes running, jumping and throwing things inside empty stadia.
- Nobby Clark, Perth, the Scottish one, 29/07/2010 11:43
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Well we all knew this was going to happen, so why waste time in moaning! The Olympics are on their way, we are spending the money so lets use our energy to make it successful
- Jamie, London, England, 29/07/2010 11:42
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I think the police and councils in London have been practising closing roads in and around the capital for years. A few extra lanes closed near the Olympic park will make no difference to the many thousands of drivers who are routinally stuck in a jam on the A12 Blackwall Tunnel approach the A13 near Docklands and most of east London.
- Mr S.Port, London, 29/07/2010 11:38
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Not only are Londoners paying for the Olympics, something i didn't agree to, but had no choice.
But now we have to put up with added congestion due to this M4 style buslanes over London.
- Mario Kempe, London, 29/07/2010 11:33
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Well said Jason. This is a once in a lifetine opportunity for an amazing sporting event right here in London.
- Richard, Hoxton, 29/07/2010 11:32
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Jayceeyoukay, you live in Surrey not London so it wouldn't affect you even if you were in the UK!
- Andy Tongue, Kentish Town, 29/07/2010 11:30
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It will be interesting to see if the needs of the disabled taxi-cab user are ignored in favour of a "few thousand" media and oylmpic officials. Taxi-cabs, buses etc pick up from the kerbside and not the middle of the road.
I wish London all the best for the games but here in the London taxi trade very little is spoken of London 2012.
We all need to remember "London isn't working because London isn't moving".
- John Kennedy Chair RMT London taxi branch, London, NW1, 29/07/2010 11:12
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Can anybody think up any more stupid ideas for this Olympic games , the expense alone is outrageous considering the fact the country is teetering on bankruptcy,or so we are led to believe , and all of a sudden we can spend 25 Million here 25 Million there,has anybody considered what 25 million would look like in their bank account.?
- Davey_buoy, Chertsey, 29/07/2010 11:12
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I fully agree with Alan and The S. Some of us do have to work through August and unfortunatly in the East of London. The traffic and road conditions here are bad at the best of times without having to put up with a reduction in lanes to accommodate all those associated with the games as well as all their hangers on. What a waste of time and money.
- Ted, London UK, 29/07/2010 11:11
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Why not house the atheletes and staff near the venue where they need to trian and compete. Is is supposed to be a 'green' games after all.
- A Londoner, London, 29/07/2010 11:07
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God why can't you lot just cheer up????
One month out of 80 odd years of your life...and it wont affect most of you anyway.
Christ what must it be like to live with you people...miserable, glass totally empty manic depressives who see bad in everything...please get a life and try to be happy!!! you might like it!
- Jason, London, 29/07/2010 11:00
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I hate to state the obvious but why one earth cant the Olympic officials stay in Dockland hotels. Those that want to stay in the West End should use the Thames Clipper boat services? That way the roads will be kept free for Londoners going about their daily lives.
It aint rocket science
- Sally Mills, London, UK, 29/07/2010 10:58
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Agreeing with Alan's second para, here.
- Sam, Gravesend, Kent, UK, 29/07/2010 10:49
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Effectively, we are handing over control of our country to the IOC for a large part of the 2012 summer.
The mind boggles at the fate of a transgressor hurtling down one of these lanes clad in colours and logos of non-Olympic sponsors!
Personally, I am looking forward to being on the other side of the world, as far away as it is possible to be from this publicly funded orgy of self-aggranndissment for a ragbag of politicians celebrities and corporate carpetbaggers. Moreover the time difference will ensure that most of the events will take place in the mddle of the night.
- Jayceeyoukay, Surrey, UK, 29/07/2010 10:47
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Lets have a two week National Holiday; that will make everyone happy.
- mickinlondon, london, 29/07/2010 10:41
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Officials keep hiding behind the excuse that "fewer people use the roads in August", but a lot of people DO have to work during August - you can have serious fires and accidents that emergency vehicles need to use the roads swiftly for - even in August.
A great shame we ever won, a total waste of money, and in view of the serious belt-tightening in all other areas of life, the frippery of the Olympics should have been first to feel the cuts.
- Alan, Romford Essex, 29/07/2010 10:30
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Got my holidays booked for July/August 2012 already ...
Games for the people ??
Don't make me laugh ...
The Steck
- The S., London UK, 29/07/2010 10:27
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