Transport for London has announced that the Olympic Route Network has now come into operation and is enforced from today, Wednesday July 25, from 6am.

Enforcement of the ORN includes no stopping or loading along the 109 mile route in London, as well as a number of temporary physical changes to junctions and road layouts, such as banned turns.

The ORN also includes 30 miles of Games Lanes in London, to ensure all athletes, officials and the world's media get to their events on time. 

Drivers and cyclists who stray into these Games Lanes face £130 fines.

Confusingly however, Mayor Boris Johnson and TfL have reiterated their commitment that the Games Lanes will be operated flexibly and opened to all traffic if there are times when demand from athletes, officials and media vehicles is low. 

A network of around 150 Variable Message Signs (VMS) along the route will advise motorists when the Games Lanes are open to regular traffic throughout the day.

Mayor of London, Boris Johnson said: " With just days until the opening ceremony, London is more prepared for the Games than any other Olympic city has ever been. The Olympic Route Network is a requirement of all Host Cities, ensuring athletes and officials get to their events on time.

" We've already slashed its length by one third compared to what was originally planned and we are introducing these changes to the road network as late as possible, to minimise the impact on Londoners and businesses.

" We will also operate the Games Lanes flexibly so that if demand from the official Olympic vehicles is low, we will open up the Games Lanes to all traffic."

TfL's advice to road users is to avoid driving in central London, around the ORN and Games venues. If a journey by road is absolutely essential, plan ahead at Get Ahead of the Games and allow extra time.

You can also find out more about the ORN and see a video about how it works at Things You Should Know about the Olympic Route Network.

 

July 25, 2012