Fears raised over Olympic disruption
June 15, 2011
UK logistics and transport firms are concerned that restrictions placed on them during next year’s Olympic Games may make it difficult for them to cater for the increased demand.
Yesterday, the Freight Transport Association (FTA) revealed that concerns were growing among its London members that the Olympics could disrupt supply chains for up to three months.
Logistics operators claim the narrowing, and in some cases shutting, of normal delivery windows will pose a significant threat to companies in the supply chain striving to meet the additional £2.8 billion (US$4.5bn) increase in spending by tourists that is forecast.
And many retail businesses will be applying to stay open longer to capitalise on this increased activity – further increasing demand on logistics firms.
As well as additional restrictions on the Olympic Route Network, other controls and restrictions on freight vehicles in London are expected to remain in force throughout the Games period.
Natalie Chapman, FTA’s Head of Policy for London, said: “Potential Olympic disruption is causing those in the logistics sector many sleepless nights.
“The Olympics and Paralympics will mean that for around 100 days the logistics sector will have more to deliver and far less time to deliver it in.
“We believe that part of the solution can be found in allowing more deliveries to be made at night time, but this will require a temporary relaxation of lorry bans from some London councils.”
The FTA said it had been working with the Noise Abatement Society to develop quiet delivery techniques that could be used to allow deliveries to take place at times currently restricted due to planning or noise abatement reasons.
Chapman added: “We are advising members to think of the Games as a three-month Christmas trading period, with peak but unpredictable demand for goods and services overlaid on regular delivery patterns.
“But more can be done to provide delivery flexibility and avoid landing operators with the dilemma of either breaking the law or keeping their customers happy.”
