Pubs 'not ready' for Olympic challenge
Pubs and bars near Olympic sites are not prepared for the transport challenges presented by the 2012 games, Transport for London (TfL) has claimed.
Tfl, the body responsible for organising travel during the event in 2012, said industries such as retailing and banking have signed up to a range of free advice sessions to prepare for the Olympics. The Site Specific Advice (SSA) programme focuses
on optimising deliveries, planning staff travel, forecasting customer and visitor movements, tips to maintain good service and sharing best practice. The package includes 50 travel advice workshops.
However, TfL is concerned that only nine businesses — representing 4,300 employees — in the entertainment and leisure sector have signed up.
Association for Licensed Multiple Retailers' strategic affairs director Kate Nicholls believes the reason for the lack of pubs signing up to the free service is down to TfL not publicising the information enough.
She said: "There's been a lack of awareness and understanding from businesses in planning for the Olympics so we will certainly be flagging this up with our members. We are now less than a year away from the games, and have been pressing for this information from TfL. Businesses have been crying out for information like this."
TfL also advised pubs that their preparations will be most tested on the third day of the the games. "It's the first Monday of the games when employers and employees will feel the effects of the increased demand on the transport network," said Mark Evers, director of games transport at TfL. "That's why we're urging firms to access the free support on offer like site specific advice. This will help them plan ahead, run smoothly and take advantage of the excellent business opportunities the games will bring."
As well as London, events for the games will also be held in Weymouth and Portland in Dorset, Hadleigh in Essex, Windsor & Eton in Berks and Lee Valley, Herts.
A consultation is currently running until autumn on plans for night-time only deliveries in London.
• To sign up for the free advice email xrrcbaehaavat@ybaqba2012.pbz or visit www.london2012.com/traveladviceforbusiness.
