It warned that much of central London's transport infrastructure and many of its popular tourist spots will be unable to cope with the huge influx of people who will descend on the City in five years time.

 

The council's comments were published in its formal response to the Olympic Transport Plan which sets out how hundreds of thousands of spectators, athletes, officials and journalists will get to and from events.

 

Westminster, which is set to host four events and supply much of the accommodation for the Olympics, is calling for an injection of at least £180 million from the Government to revamp central London and the West End.

 

Robert Davis, the cabinet member for planning who takes the lead on special events, said: "The Council considers that much of central London's transport system urgently needs more investment and further enhancement to ensure those attending the Games have a memorable stay.

 

"The extra money is essential to ensure that Westminster, provides a world-class service for those coming to the Games in 2012."

 

Other concerns raised by Westminster include:

 

* The Games must leave a lasting legacy for the whole of London and not just the main Olympic site in the East End.

 

* The West End needs the same attention as the sporting venues have already received otherwise there could be significant consequences. For example, Hyde Park Corner, Trafalgar Square and Marble Arch could be brought to a "standstill" through the sheer weight of people visiting these areas.

 

* The demand for disabled Blue Badge needs to be addressed. In particular, assisting people with a disability from countries outside the EU who do not hold Blue Badges.

 

* Better disabled access should be created at St James’s Park and St John's Wood Tube Stations.

 

* River services could play an important role in transporting thousands of spectators to events, but there is not enough space on some of Westminster's piers to cope with any increase in demand. Ways to improve the river service will need to be considered once a review has taken place.

 

* The council also wants the possibility of a central London coach park to be investigated and better signage to encourage more walking.

 

During the Games, Westminster will host archery in Lords Cricket Ground, beach volleyball in Horse Guards Parade, the triathlon in Hyde Park and cycling in Regent's Park, as well as one Paralympic event.

 

The final marathon route is yet to be confirmed but it will take in a swathe of Westminster's stunning landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Trafalgar Square.

 

Athletes will be housed in the proposed Olympic village near Stratford but as Westminster contains about 40 per cent of London’s hotel bed spaces it is likely to supply the accommodation required by the 45,000 media, sponsors, dignitaries and officials who will stay in hotels in Park Lane and the West End.

 

In addition there will be 500,000 spectators every day, many of whom will stay and travel through the City. This will be of huge benefit to the hospitality, leisure and entertainment sectors of the local economy as hotels will be running at full capacity.

 

The Queen is also set to celebrate her Diamond Jubilee in 2012 and Westminster is certain to play a major role in staging the celebrations which will boost visitor numbers to the borough even further.

 

Westminster will also be the venue for much of the pre-Olympic cultural festival which starts in 2008 at the conclusion of the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics and continues to 2012.