Work begins on London’s ‘Games Lanes’

Work has begun on the “Games Lanes” that will whisk Olympic athletes and VIPs to events.

Marking out of the Olympic-dedicated lanes began in London last night, along with adjustments to traffic lights. The lanes, marked with the Olympic rings, will come into operation on 25 July – two days before the opening ceremony, with “ordinary” drivers allowed to use them until then.

The lanes have been dubbed “ZiL lanes” after the Russian car that carried Soviet leaders around.

There will be 30 miles of Games Lanes in London, forming part of the 109-mile Olympic Route Network which links Games venues.

Signs will state all drivers will be able to use them until 25 July, although Transport for London is advising motorists to avoid central London from mid-July.