Transport for London’s hotspot aimed at keeping London ‘open for business’
Transport for London’s (TfL’s) London 2012 Games transport ‘hotspot’ information, launched last week, will enable businesses to finalise their plans and ensure the capital is ‘open for business’ throughout next summer, according to TfL.
TfL said in response to requests from business for more detailed information, it has now published very detailed transport ‘hotspot’ information covering London’s roads and public transport network.
“This demonstrates rather than requiring a blanket reduction in travel by 30% across London as a whole, the transport challenge is focused at certain times and in certain locations, generally in central London and around Games venues,” said TfL.
Around 70% of road traffic in Greater London will be unaffected and two thirds of Tube and DLR stations will see no impact, in terms of additional time taken to board a train. However, on the busiest days, there will an additional three million journeys in London as people watch the Games and attend cultural events, meaning the road and public transport networks will be much busier than usual in certain locations.
London 2012 and TfL have been working with businesses for over a year, to enable them to plan ahead and from early next year will begin to communicate directly with the public across London and the UK.
“Around £6.5 billion has been invested in upgrading and increasing capacity on our transport networks, delivering an early legacy of transport improvements which will benefit millions of people for generations to come,” said new transport secretary, Justine Greening.
“However, on the busiest days of the Games, with an additional three million journeys in the capital it is only sensible for businesses to plan ahead, particularly those in and around travel ‘hotspots’.”
London mayor, Boris Johnson said: “My message is clear – prepare to profit during the Games. By planning ahead using the information published today, we will not only keep London moving and open for business, but London will benefit financially from the Games and for many years to come through increased investment and visitors.”
London’s Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy said: “We’ll continue to work with businesses and early next year will start communicating with regular travellers, to ensure they can stay ahead of the Games, we keep London and the UK moving and businesses can make the most of all the Games have to offer.”
The road and Tube station ‘hotspot’ maps and accompanying travel advice are based on the latest data and information on which TfL is developing its own operational transport plans. On the roads, the maps show the impact for each day of the Games and on the days immediately preceding. Alongside the road ‘hotspot’ maps, TfL has developed an online road journey planning tool which shows the additional journey time for those road journeys which really must be undertaken at the busiest times and in the busiest locations, such as the delivery of perishable goods.
The road and public transport ‘hotspot’ information and travel advice published by TfL is available at www.tfl.gov.uk/2012
