How do they work? I thought the principal was that like the bus lanes you weren't allowed to drive in them unless you were a certain kind of vehicle, so I don't understand what you're supposed to do here: please log in to view this image I assume they've spent money explaining to people in London how they work, so can someone explain what you're supposed to do when you get to that point?
There's a rumour going round that the cabbies are planning to 'sabotage' the opening ceremony with a 'strategic' protest...
I am a volunteer drive at the Paralympics and I am told that our cars and buses (and LT buses, bikes, police etc) only can use them...not black cabs (which I personally think is one step to far) In our car we also have a system (I am told and will believe it when I see it work...on all the training days so far...it hasn't worked) that controls the traffic lights when we approach...now that truly is a recipe for disaster. I am so glad all my shifts. and I am volunteering for 3 and half weeks, are at the paras when the havoc will have died down a bit!!! But I do think they should let the black taxis use the lanes too in fairness
Looking at the lanes on the A12 and around me - I live in the East End - I think it's going to be chaos. The whole Bow/Mile End/Stratford area shuts down every weekend anyway because of people driving to Westfield. Black cab drivers are so pessimistic, cynical and bitter they make QPR fans seem like a happy, clappy bunch of born agains - but I feel they have a point in this instance. As for the pic above - it must mean the road is closed to non-buses and non-olympic traffic. There's a few road closures going on, the Eastway amongst others - but I haven't bothered checking as I shan't be driving anywhere till the Autumn.
The official line is when the 'Olympic' lane is operational the bus lane is suspended and all other traffic may use it. With that fact not being widely publicised there will inevitably be chaos...
I find that living to the SW of Sheffield in the Peak District that the Olympic Lanes are working just fine....
