Just as the athletes have been in training for the 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games, so has the logistics industry, and thanks to Freight Transport Association (FTA) – delivery drivers in and around the Games venues will be able to keep on track.
Having been described as the biggest peacetime logistical event in the world, there’s no doubt that there will be hurdles to cross, and FTA is determined to keep all its members running throughout the Games and has put extensive plans in place to help them to do just that.
In order to support its 14,000 members, the Association has grasped the baton to provide them with all the support and information they should need.
Following three pre-Olympic conferences, FTA has developed a dedicated Olympic microsite: www.fta.co.uk/olympics, will be providing a dedicated FTA Olympic Advisor in its Member Advice Centre, (telephone 0870 60 50 000), will be providing regular traffic information, has produced an Olympics support guide, will be offering support and guidance on night-time deliveries and has produced a free mobile phone app which will be up and running in time for the Games.
The FTA has worked closely with TfL, LOCOG and ODA over the last few years preparing, and has been a pivotal partner during the development of the Olympic road freight work programme
With the Olympic & Paralympic Route Network (ORN & PRN) in place, changes to the roads have been implemented, which will undoubtedly have an impact on drivers, and thanks to these changes the likelihood is that deliveries will take longer as speeds will be reduced and its also anticipated that traffic is likely to be heavier and journey times will increase, and with that in mind, FTA are determined to support, inform and guide their members through out the event. .
The FTA believes that the freight and logistics industry are well prepared ahead of the Games, but if they should need any further help, guidance, support or information, the Association is more than happy to help in every way it can.