By Tom Degun at the Main Press Centre on the Olympic Park in London

Disabled rail_passenger_11_JulyJuly 11 - London 2012 and its transport partners are encouraging disabled spectators to start plan their journeys to the Olympics and Paralympics immediately and have called on them to book any rail travel and Blue Badge parking at venues in advance.

The two Games claim that they will be the most accessible ever with the transport network primed to carry more disabled passengers (pictured top) to more events at more locations than on any previous occasion.

With the venues and transport networks in both the capital and across the United Kingdom set to become extremely busy during the Games all disabled spectators, particularly those using wheelchairs or mobility aids, are being asked to start planning their journeys now.

Spectators should access www.travel.london2012.com for advice and book travel on rail services in advance.

During the Games, accessible shuttle services will transport disabled spectators from the nearest recommended accessible station to the venues.

These services do not need to be pre-booked while taxi and private hire pick-up and drop-off points are also available at all venues.

Blue Badge_parking_1_11_July
Special parking spaces are available at venues for spectators who hold a valid Blue Badge (pictured above) or recognised national disability permit, and at some venues spaces can be booked by session.

In addition park and ride services have been arranged by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) for journeys to the Olympic Park, ExCeL, Weymouth and Portland, Lee Valley White Water Centre, Hadleigh Farm, Eton Dorney, Greenwich Park (for cross-country on day 3), and the City of Coventry, Hampden Park, Old Trafford and St. James' Park stadiums.

"The London 2012 Games will be the most accessible ever held and we've invested to improve accessibility across London's transport network," said Peter Hendy, the Commissioner of Transport for London.

"Our staff and travel ambassadors will be on hand to assist people travelling to events and around London, but it is vital that all spectators, particularly those with accessible transport needs, plan their journeys and, if necessary, book their travel in advance."

"We are delighted with the work our partners have done to deliver on our promise to make London 2012 the most accessible games ever," added London 2012 director of transport Richard George.

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