Hauliers apply for fast-track licences
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By Chris Druce
THE FIRST requests under the fast-track O-licence scheme put in place specifically for the Olympics have been received, as operators make final preparations ahead of the start of the Games in just under a month’s time.
The fast track, revealed at CM’s Summer Freight Planning Conference at Wembley Stadium in March, was introduced exclusively for the Olympic and Paralympic Games to allow operators that pick up last-minute work to forgo the usual advertising requirements for varying their licence.
This variation process normally takes about nine weeks, which would have meant operators picking up last-minute contracts and jobs with restrictions on their operating centres would have been stuck. Two applications have now been received under the scheme, which Bell warns: “It is not in place of poor planning. This has got to be a last resort.” The Office of the Traffic Commissioners has also identified about 20 applications for variation under the standard O-licence rules that are Olympics related.
For more, go to: www.dft.gov.uk/publications/traffic-commissioners-olympic-planning • Transport for London (TfL) has now added The Local Area Traffic Management and Parking Plans information to its Temporary Road Changes tool at www.getaheadofthegames.com. The plans can be found in full, including road race disruption, on the Travel in Affected Areas page of the website.
Last month the Transport Committee criticised the late publication of the plans (CM 31 May), which detail road and parking restrictions around Games venues on event days. In response, Catherine West, chairwoman of London Councils’ transport committee, blamed the delay on the Organising Committee of the Olympic Games (Locog).
However, Locog said that, due to their complexity, the plans were never likely to be delivered any sooner.
• Our eight-page Summer 2012 Action Plan details the practical steps you need to succeed, while our Events Schedule lists exactly what’s happening where and when by date and venue. They are priced at £12.99 each (or £20 for both), with digital-only versions available too. Phone 020 8912 2144 or email suzy.bull@ roadtransport.com to order your copy.