It was previously thought that a 30 per cent reduction across the London transport network would be sufficient to cope during next summer but this figure has today increased after Transport for London (TfL) revealed 'hotspot' advice for businesses during the Games, detailing the areas and locations where delays and congestion could be at its peak.

They believe that two thirds of stations will be unaffected by the staging of the Games, and up to 70 per cent of the road network would also work as usual.

However, Hendy told insidethegames that this meant those areas where congestion would be greatest will face the most strain.

"Yes, that's why we have shown those charts," he explained.

"At the [stations] that are the busiest we need 50 to 60 per cent [reductions], that number includes spectators and that is why we've published the charts.

"London Bridge without a doubt is going to be very busy.

"We're not saying to people don't travel, just avoid it at these busy times."

At its peak, Hendy anticipates that the London Underground will see capacity soar to almost one and a half times its usual level during the busiest times at the Olympics.

Whereas 3.5 million journeys are made each day usually, Hendy said that, whilst he was unsure of the precise numbers, it could top five million next year.


TfL have also announced that just one third of the 109 mile Olympic Route Network (ORN) will be designated as Games Lanes, which are specifically for Olympic athletes, officials, sponsors and International Olympic Committee (IOC) members.

Hendy is confident this will be sufficient to get athletes to their venues on time, whilst also providing a road network that could even be quicker than usual for commuters.

"Once on the Olympic Route Network it's likely to be quicker than it is usually," he insisted.

"For the Olympic Family they need not so much speed but reliability.

"We are not trying to get them there at 90 mph but guarantee the journey time.

"They don't want to warm up and find it takes twice as long to get to the venue as they thought."

Road and public transport 'hotspot' information and travel advice is available online here.

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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