If traffic congestion was an Olympic discipline then London, with its average speed of around 12mph, would be favourite for gold in 2012. As things stand, the city will need to employ creative solutions to avoid traffic chaos during the Olympics in 2012 according to the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).
Warning from Vancouver
Vancouver’s underground and bus system has struggled under the strain of an additional 1.5 million passengers a day, and there are concerns that London’s already-over-crowded roads and public transport network will struggle to cope in two year’s time.
A spokesperson for the ETA said: “The International Olympic Committee has suggested that as many as 1,000 traffic lights in London might have to be switched off to keep things moving during the 2012 Games, but a far more creative approach is needed to manage the strain on the transport system – the city’s capacity for more cycling and river travel are two options that spring to mind.”
How to keep London moving in 2012?
| London Olympics 2012 | 3 unusual ideas to keep the city moving |
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| Motorcycle recovery vehicles The Retriever is a motorcycle that is able to transform itself into a recovery vehicle capable of towing a car weighing up to 2500kg – ideal for quickly clearing broken down cars from congested streets |
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| Flood the streets with bicycles As part of its bid for the 2012 games, Paris planned to dramatically expand its Velib bicycle hire scheme by providing 100,000 bicycles for use by Olympic officials, competitors and spectators. London is launching its own cycle hire scheme later this year, albeit on a far smaller scale |
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| Amphibious buses The Thames is London’s most under-used travel resource – amphibious buses are currently on trial in Scotland, but could be put to good use ferrying competitors and officials between the Olympic village and the various venues around the city |
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