Operators must keep focused and plan ahead during Paralympic period
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By Laura Hailstone
HAULIERS ARE being warned not to underestimate the effect the Paralympics will have on deliveries over the next 10 days.
“It’s still the second biggest sporting event in the world,” says James Hookham, MD of policy and communications at the Freight Transport Association. “We are treating the Paralympics as seriously as the Olympics, and will be providing our members with the same level of support.” Despite running for a shorter period than the Olympics and using fewer venues, the Paralympics are expected to draw in a record number of visitors.
“I think there will be more traffic than during the Olympics and, with more people attending the Paralympics than anticipated, volumes could go up,” says Hugh Basham, transport strategy and policy director at DHL.
“The message we’ve put out to all our transport managers and planners is ‘don’t take your eye off the ball, keep the good practice going and be aware that schools will be back and there could be more volume and congestion than expected’, ” he adds.
The Road Haulage Association also warns that congestion could be higher during the Paralympics. “People stayed away from London during the Olympics, but this time people will be back in the normal routine. There is also a perception that the Paralympics is a lot smaller and will therefore have less effect. Hauliers still need to plan,” says John Howells, regional director for the South East and East.
The core Paralympic Route Network totals 36 miles and will be operational until midnight on 10 September.
0 See our London 2012 survival guide for more details: commercialmotor.com/olympics
PARALYMPIC VENUES
Location Date Event Brands Hatch (and Kent roads) 5-8 September Cycling/road Eton Dorney 31 August-2 September Rowing ExCeL 30 August-8 September Various Greenwich Park 30 August-4 September Equestrian North Greenwich Arena 30 August-8 September Basketball Olympic Park 29 August-9 September Various The Mall (and surrounding roads) 9 September Marathon The Royal Artillery Barracks 30 August-6 September Shooting/archery Weymouth and Portland 1-6 September Sailing