Road transport could prove the weak link in London’s plans to host the Olympic Games, according to MPs, who fear traffic forecasts are optimistic.
In its first assessment of preparations for 2012, the Commons transport committee reports that transport planning appears to be relatively well advanced, although it highlights a series of concerns.
Chief among them is ~Transport for London~ rsquo;s assumption that traffic levels will drop by 15% during August, smoothing the journeys of the ‘Olympic family’ to and from events. Calling for reasurances, the MPs cite the Corporation of London’s evidence that traffic in the City falls just 2% during the summer holiday peak. With roads in east London already congested, the committee also warned that new traffic generated by the massive Stratford City mixed retail, hotel and housing development would need to be taken fully into account. Athletes, officials and media will be transported by car and coach on the 240km Olympic Route Network, including 100km of lanes dedicated to their vehicles.
The MPs were troubled by confusion over their extent, and whether they would replace or share bus lanes where the two overlapped. Conflicting evidence was also heard on the capacity of the Javelin rail shuttle service from Kings Cross to Stratford. According to the London organising committee and mayor, this would accommodate 25,000 passengers an hour, while train operators predicted half that figure. Overcrowding at the station, and on pedestrian routes to the Olympic Park are additional concerns.
Pedestrians from Stratford international and regional stations ‘must be able to move smoothly and safely into the Olympic park,’ they urged. This would require ‘close liaison’ with the developers of the new Stratford City development through which they will need to walk, but for which the detailed design is not yet clear. The committee calls for the most robust modelling of traffic flows and future traffic growth to ensure ‘flawless’ travel for the Olympic family, and minimal disruption to Londoners as road space is reduced.
Uncertainties in the transport plan need to be resolved without delay, and the committee intends to review progress regularly in the run-up to 2012. Reacting to the report, the AA Motoring Trust warned against raising fines for abusing Olympic lanes beyond current levels. ‘Otherwise, Londoners and other drivers may see them as a way to milk the motorist for Olympic funds,’ said the trust’s head of roads and transport policy, Paul Watters. Speed limits might be needed to avoid pedestrian casualties, he added, calling for consultation on all restrictions.
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