Preparations for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games

Important Information: Restrictions to Temporary Structure Licences

 The 2012 Olympics are fast approaching and the Council is well advanced in its preparations, working in conjunction with the London Olympic authorities and TfL.  Next summer Westminster will be significantly affected as several competition venues are located in the City and it is also the cultural and entertainment hub for visitors to London.

1. How will the Olympic Games affect working in Central London?  

 Disruption caused by the Games will start in March 2012 when the Olympic Road Network (ORN) opens and from July this will extend to the Central London Zone (CLZ) and other designated sensitive routes, finishing in September with the conclusion of the Paralympics.  To assist you with forward planning, please note the following:

• If you are planning to carry out building work directly on or within 75m of the ORN then your works will be affected by the Games and could be suspended until October 2012;

• If you are planning to work within the CLZ in summer 2012 then be prepared for delays in the arrival of materials and personnel to your site.  Certain works on the highway may also be subject to restrictions and delays.

Vehicular traffic accessing central London will be subject to delays and limitations as the ORN restricts vehicles turning off major roads and reduces traffic lanes available for non games vehicles.  For more information on the area most affected and advice on planning for the likely impacts of the Olympics, please visit these websites:

Transport for London Olympics Information 

City of Westminster Olympics Information

2. How will Temporary Structure Licences be Affected?  

 Our prime concern is public safety and the smooth running of the Games so we have decided that from January 2012 we will be limiting the licensing period for Temporary Structures to a maximum of 4 months.  Please note that with effect from 1 January 2012 and until further notice the Council will no longer license sites for 6 months.  The shorter licensed period provides us with extra controls to manage on street situations and respond to as yet unknown restrictions.

It is also mandatory to provide emergency out of hours contact details for your site.  It’s difficult to predict the effects on traffic and pedestrian safety around building sites and we may need to contact sites quickly to advise and enforce when works are not acceptable, or a potentially dangerous situation occurs.

Please use the new 2012 application forms available on the website.  Applications received on or after 1 January 2012 on the old form will not be valid and submissions for a 6 month licence will not be accepted.

3. What Happens Next?   

The Olympic preparations are an evolving situation and we will keep you informed as details of restrictions emerge from the organising bodies.  We apologise for any inconvenience the changes may cause your business and thank you for your cooperation in working with us to manage the impacts of this major London event in Westminster.

If you have any queries please contact Steven Denny on 0207 641 1117, or sdenny@westminster.gov.uk