More than three hundred industry members turned-out to hear the last in a series of speeches on how the London 2012 games will affect the chauffeur and private hire sectors.

The Licensed Private Hire Car Association held its recent Roadshow at Heathrow which heard from the Olympic Delivery Authority as to what measures have been taken to make sure businesses can still operate during the games. Hugh Sumner, from the ODA encouraged operators to use the range of social networking opportunities and websites to keep up-to-date with the road situations and changes to schedules.

Mr Sumner also outlined the facilities available to drivers at game venues, he told the conference; “At all competition venues, we have identified and acquired drop and load zones, and where possible also staging areas, where you can hold and be called forward at the appropriate time when you client is there”.

He added; “All venues will be different, so operators will need to study maps and the information available before travelling to them. All drivers arriving at the venues will need to go through vehicle permit checks, so please make sure your drivers come armed and dangerous with ID badges, passenger information and DVLA licence. Those who do not have enough documentation will be turned away.”

In a step which will not please some of the industry, stretched limousines will be banned from using the drop off and pick up zones. Mr Sumner simply added to his presentation; “Even if you are thinking about it, please don’t come with very large limos, they won’t be allowed into those facilities.’

John Mason, Director of Taxi and Private Hire for TfL highlighted the benefits of using social networking during the games. He commented; “If you have no intention of Tweeting Alan Sugar and David Cameron, that’s fine, but Twitter will be a really useful tool for operators. We are working on a 24 hour rota to make sure all the information on delays or additional road restrictions is pumped out in real time via the site.’

A series of videos from the event will be announced soon by the Licensed Private Hire Car Association and will also be available to view on TheChauffeurTV.

Essential links…

Follow Transport for London on Twitter at: https://twitter.com/tfltph
GetAheadoftheGames on Twitter: https://twitter.com/gaotg

Booklets and information for businesses:
http://www.getaheadofthegames.com/travel-advice-for-business/support-advice-and-tools.html

General information on London2012 Games:
http://www.london2012.com/

London 2012 Mobile App:
http://www.london2012.com/mobileapps/