Organisers of the 2012 Olympics must work more closely with the capital’s local authorities to ensure that everyone can travel ‘safely and smoothly’ to the games, according to London Councils.
At this month’s transport and environment committee meeting, the organisation highlighted its concern over who would foot the bill for enforcement of any temporary measures introduced on the Olympic Route Network (ORN).
It also claimed that careful consideration would need to be given to how any permanent changes would affect other services, such as street cleaning and refuse collections. Cllr Greg Foxsmith, of Islington, raised concerns over the inclusion of sponsors on the list of ORN users.
‘Public transport is the best way for everybody to travel. There is no need for the ORN.
‘However, we were reminded [by the Olympic Delivery Authority (ODA) in our December meeting] that it does not matter what we think, because having the ORN was in the terms of the Olympics bid.’
The Department for Transport’s 14-week consultation on the proposed network closed last week. A DfT spokeswoman said: ‘A response to the consultation will be published in due course, after assessing all feedback.’
Cllr Mike Fisher, chairman of the committee, said: ‘While there are differing views on the need for the ORN, we recognise that it is required by the ODA. ‘What we must do now is resolve the questions around how it will work or it will have a negative impact on London, especially at a time when the eyes of the world will be on us.’
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