The Freight Transport Association (FTA) has issued a warning about the disruption the Olympic Games will cause to its members operating in London and the need for tolerance and common sense from London’s enforcement authorities and the general public.

Speaking to the House of Commons Transport Committee, Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London gave evidence to the Olympics Inquiry alongside representatives of London Councils, the Federation of Wholesale Distributors and the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association.

The inquiry was looking at the transport challenges posed by the Olympic and Paralympic Games, including the impact of Games Lanes and the Olympic Route Network on road transport in London.  Also providing evidence were Justine Greening Secretary of State for Transport & Peter Hendy, Commissioner of Transport for London.

Chapman said:

“We are pleased to assist the Transport Committee in its investigation into the robustness of transport arrangements for the Games. Without efficient logistics, there will be no Games. And without an appreciation of the likely disruption, Londoners and London’s business community will find it difficult to keep functioning.

It is therefore important that everyone interested in making this summer a success is working together to ensure an efficient supply chain is maintained.  There is a tendency not to notice freight until it doesn’t work, so the challenges of the next few months give the industry the ideal opportunity to showcase how effective and efficient it really is.”

Natalie Chapman told the inquiry that the industry was largely prepared and ready for the challenge that the Games will pose.  However, FTA members are concerned how those reliant on logistics are preparing and adapting for the challenges of the next few months.

She also raised concerns regarding the additional costs that the industry will face in servicing customers during the Games.  Many companies have had to hire in additional vehicles and drivers for the summer even if these do not foresee an increase in trade as productivity will slump due to a reduction in road speeds and an increase in congestion.

Chapman continued:

“The vast array of additional restrictions that will be implemented for the Olympics and Paralympics such as the Olympic Route Network, Games Lanes, banned turns and loading bans are likely to cause confusion even to drivers how know London’s streets like the back of their hand.  We hope that the boroughs and Transport for London will take a sensible approach to enforcement and will focus their efforts on compliance and assisting drivers.

We are of course delighted that the Mayor of London and the Secretary of State for Transport listened to FTA’s concerns on this issue and did not approve the increase in PCN levels to £200 as requested by London Councils and the Olympic Delivery Authority.  However, if £130 fines are issued like confetti, we will as an industry, have a very big bill to pick up at the end of the summer.

Here at vanrental.co.uk we have been warning of potential disruption and shortage of hire vans in London and the south east for some time – let’s hope that companies’ are now prepared and that with the support of the London authorities, everything will work well.