Boris Johnson urges less car use at 2012 Olympics

Olympic officials at London’s 2012 Games are being urged by the capital’s mayor Boris Johnson to leave their cars at home during the event.

The London premiere wrote a letter saying that, where possible, he would urge the "Olympic family" to give up their cars and use bus or rail services.

Mr Johnson’s comments come after the launch of the Olympic Javelin train last month, which will take just seven minutes to take passengers from King’s Cross to Stratford’s Olympic Park.

The mayor recognises that while athletes and some officials will have to use the roads, others should use rail, including the media and some staff.

Mr Johnson said leaving the car at home will give people a chance to "sample everyday London life" and use "our great public transport system".

It is the latest in the mayor’s green transport moves, after he introduced Cycle Fridays in London to encourage people to travel on two wheels.