London's transport system is not going to turn into a network worthy of a first-world capital city just because the Olympics are coming, and ensuring the capital keeps the Games moving is a priority for the organising committee.
Transport for London and Games organisers are hoping that they can exploit the summer holidays with which the Olympics coincide to ease pressure on the network. Fast-tracked developments including the Dockland Light Railway extension, that will see five new stations open by next summer, should help.
More controversial are plans to introduce an Olympic Route Network that will see 'Zil lanes’ marked on some of the capital’s major roads, with use restricted to athletes, officials, media and VIPs for the duration.
A massive public consultation is underway to try to prepare London motorists but the issue is bound to prompt complaints, and Boris Johnson is on-the-record saying he opposes the concept.
The Olympic lanes will be particularly important if plans to use Wembley Arena as a venue are given the go-ahead. The most optimistic journey time for the trip from the athletes’ village Stratford to Wembley is 37 minutes, while the most realistic suggests it will take at least an hour.
That will not please the badminton players and rhythmic gymnasts sketched to be competing at the venue, so London will have to come-up with a bullet proof plan to convince sceptics.
SOURCE FROM WWW.TELEGRAPH.CO.UK
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