etc.venues, owners of purpose built luxury conference centres in London and Birmingham, are today reacting to suggestions London’s entire transport network will be affected during this summer’s Olympic Games; claiming organisers are ‘overly exaggerating’ the situation and ultimately discouraging travel in the capital.
With the Games fast approaching there are concerns London’s ageing transport network will be unable to handle increases in passenger traffic – leading to major disruptions and congestion on the capitals roads, rail lines and underground tube lines during the event.
Organisers are already exercising caution with advertisements scattered throughout the city urging resident Londoner’s and commuters to plan their journeys before using public transport networks. However Alistair Stewart, managing director at etc.venues, believes Olympic officials are only adding to existing visceral doubts over the city’s transport networks and goes on to claim only certain areas will be affected by the Games itself.
“ Of course there will be disruptions- that’s a given during such a popular event- but with all these exaggerated warnings of congestion, road grid-lock, etc., organisers are putting fans and commuters off travelling into London altogether .” says Mr Stewart
“ It won’t be busy everywhere . According to recent reports by Transport for London (Tfl) 70% of roads in the capital will not be affected by the Games directly. It’s a similar story for the London Underground: only 35% of stations have been identified as ‘busier than usual’ .”
“ The best advice is to take heed of the information given, consider route changes and re-time your travel plans if need be. ”
With ten London conference venues, etc.venues is considered one of the capitals leading training and conference producers. And despite the Tfl admitting that business in London is expected to drop by 20%, etc.venues is still opening its doors to clients throughout the duration of the Games.
“It’s business as usual for us. We want our clients to travel into London during the Games. Not only can they organise their events, they can soak up the amazing atmosphere and buzz created across the city.”
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