LONDON: Traffic in the British capital is expected to slow to a crawl this summer as a result of the Olympic Games, according to a new report.
Traffic information firm INRIX predicted last week that traffic speeds on 'core network routes' herel will be reduced to just 19kph on average over late July and early August, worsening conditions in a city already renowned for its jams.
On average, traffic congestion will rise by a third, with an average journey time of one hour taking 12 additional minutes during the duration of the games.
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| Credit: London2012 |
Drivers would be wise to avoid heading out during the Games Opening Ceremony in particular, INRIX said, as a bank holiday weekend will coincide with 100,000 ticketholders travelling to the ceremony and road closures for the Men’s Road Cycling Race to result in a 'perfect traffic storm'.
"A trial event for the race in August 2011 resulted in traffic chaos, when journeys of just a few miles took several hours and some drivers were forced to abandon their cars," noted the company.
On average, INRIX predicts that the London rush hour could shift by as much as 90 minutes during the games, hitting at 05:30 instead of 07:00 and then again at 15:30 instead of 17:00 as Londoners rush to watch live events on TV.
The good news for those stuck at work during events is that the traditional evening rush-hour may have abated by as early at 18:00, the firm said. - Relaxnews