Government unveils plans to keep London moving in 2012 (From This Is Local London)

Government unveils plans to keep London moving in 2012

11:15am Friday 12th December 2008 in News

The first plans for how athletes and officials will be transported to and from the 2012 Olympic Games sites have been outlined by the Government.

According to transport minister Jim Fitzpatrick, the aim is to have major roads leading to the main Olympic venue in Stratford, east London, with other to be included in the Olympic Route Network (ORN).

London, said Fitxpatrick, will use a network of existing roads to link all competition and key non-competition venues to create the ORN.

Which roads will be proposed for inclusion into the ORN will now be under discussion during a 14-week consultation that began this week.

According to officials, the ORN will bring a number of benefits to the capital, including junction upgrades and improved traffic signaling.

Critics, however, will argue that dedicated roads would only worsen congestion in the capital.

London mayor Boris Johnson said there would be minimal disruption to road users during the 2012 Games. "The network will only apply temporarily to a limited number of roads, in certain parts of London,” he said.

“While London transport will look a little different, we are determined that the final Olympic Route Network will work for the Games and for Londoners as well as leaving a positive transport legacy in its wake.”

The ORN will also include roads around other Olympic sites such as Weymouth in Dorset where sailing events will take place and Eton Dorney, in Berkshire - scene of the rowing.