Olympics out-of-hours food and drink deliveries agreed in London

Disruption to regular traffic on the roads will occur during the period of the Games as certain routes are restricted to ensure all Olympic events go according to timetable. Sara Parker, the Confederation of British Industry's London director, said: "This agreement on a more flexible approach to deliveries is a real breakthrough, which will mean that London's businesses can continue delivering a high-quality service to their customers during the Games. "With so many Londoners and visitors out and about in the capital over the summer, it's really important that shops, pubs and restaurants can remain fully stocked." It will also mean 'business as usual' for catering operations in workplaces, hospitals, visitor attractions and transport hubs. The pragmatic approach was endorsed by London Councils' Transport and Environment Committee last week, when they approved a statement to help local authorities explain the position on night-time deliveries during the Games. The statement makes it clear that councils will be supportive and sympathetic to the needs of businesses needing out-of-hours deliveries during the 2012 Games, when deliveries to businesses on the Olympic Route Network, in central London and around venues will be affected by Games-related restrictions on key parts of the capital's road network. London's Transport Commissioner, Peter Hendy, said: "The challenges surrounding deliveries during the Games are considerable. "However, the success of the quieter out-of-hours delivery trials we've commissioned in recent months clearly demonstrate that out-of-hours deliveries can, and I believe will, play a vital role in ensuring London and the rest of the UK keeps on moving this summer." Approximately 280,000 freight journeys take place within London on a typical weekday, delivering to some 290,000 businesses and 7.8 million residents. Road freight, including deliveries, collections and servicing activity, accounts for 17% of Greater London's traffic.