London 2012 Olympic lanes go live

The first dedicated Olympic lanes for the 2012 London games have opened on a stretch of the M4 between Heathrow Airport and central London.

Although regulations were in force along part of the M4, Olympic lanes created on the A4 and A40 were still open for public use causing chaos and confusion among motorists.

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The initial length of M4 carriageway earmarked for special Olympic transit vehicles came into force today on a section of the motorway that was recently reopened following major structural repairs.

Many perplexed motorists were this morning stuck in tailbacks reportedly stretching 32 miles along the M4 caused by accidents following the implementation of the games lanes.

The scenes played out across many of the busiest arterial routes into the capital – including the A4 and A40 – as a lack of information sent drivers scurrying from the reserved roadways that don’t actually come into force until the 25th of this month.

We can understand their concern. When live, drivers who stray into the VIP lanes without authorisation face a £130 fine as the specially designated Olympic lanes are reserved for competitors and Olympic games officials.

Emergency services will also not be allowed to use the reserved roadways unless on a 999 call.

Busy areas of central London will be disrupted, with Victoria Embankment, Millbank and roads between the areas of the Mall, Hyde Park and Lord’s Cricket Ground all undergoing closures or alterations.

The full Olympic Route Network will become active on the 25th July, with many people believing the 30 miles of specialised roadway will cause gridlock throughout London’s traffic ‘hotspots’ at peak times.

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