VIPs and athletes will be given right of way

A priority road network, 150 miles long, for VIPs and competitors would be created for the Olympics and would exclude ordinary motorists, it was revealed yesterday.

A priority road network, 150 miles long, for VIPs and competitors would be created for the Olympics and would exclude ordinary motorists, it was revealed yesterday.

More than 5,000 accredited vehicles would use special lanes, and all traffic lights would turn green to allow them through. Other drivers would face heavy fines if they strayed onto the "Olympic Road Network".

Olympic planners conducted an experiment at rush-hour and found that it took just 21 minutes and 45 seconds to drive from Hyde Park Corner in central London to the main Games site at Stratford. The vehicle had the technology which turned traffic lights green. Apart from competitors, officials and senior politicians, buses from two special "park-and-ride" sites near the M25 would also be able to use the network.

It has not yet been decided whether priority status would be awarded to taxis. No parking spaces would be provided at any of the venues - except for the disabled - and only residents and the "Olympic family" would be allowed inside exclusion zones. Some half a million people would be expected to attend the Games on any one day.

Announcing details of the London bid for the 2012 Games, planners also confirmed that a special "Olympic Javelin" shuttle travelling at up to 140mph, would use the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link.