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Olympics News Desk
Almost 70% of Londoners are planning to avoid the Capital’s roads during the Games, according to research released today by triOpsis.
With almost a quarter witnessing more road works in London, 42% complain that many sites are left unattended. This figure highlights a clear issue around the management and maintenance of road works and action needed by utility firms.
Andy Hutt, CEO at triOpsis, which provides visual intelligence for the utilities sector, comments on the findings. “Everyone expects more road works in the run up to an event like the Olympics, but the fact that many sites are unattended isn’t just bad planning, it’s also hugely frustrating for motorists. Our research shows Londoners want to avoid the roads because they’re worried about traffic congestion and are becoming less tolerant to the disruption caused by road works.”
Derek Casey, a cabbie of 32 years in London, says “I’m seeing loads more holes in the roads when driving in and around London and it’s definitely getting worse. The state of the roads and more street works popping up means the traffic even outside of rush hour is bad. The work is quickly being carried out in time for the Olympics, but it should have been done far sooner than now. I know it takes me longer to do journeys and that’s frustrating for people who want to get around the capital by car.”
The public have serious concerns with the rise in road works - 68% fear it will lead to more congestion on the roads and 61% worry about disruption to their local communities. Despite claims from the organisers that businesses will earn money from the Games, over a third (36%) worry local businesses will be disrupted by more road works.
According to the poll of 1,000 consumers, the public believe better co-ordination between utility firms and councils is the most effective way of stopping road works from over running. This was followed closely by better planning and bigger fines to utility firms for delayed works. This follows a recent Government call for utility firms to be charged for digging up the busiest roads during rush hour.
Hutt concludes, “Steps must be taken to carry out road works first time, on time to reduce the disruption to the public and restore their faith in utilities. Technology is on hand to help monitor and control road works, giving utility companies a better view of what’s happening on the ground. Workers can now photograph any on-site issues and Head Office can use this visual intelligence to ensure jobs are completed on time and minimise any unnecessary hassle to locals.”
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