Figures released by Transport for London show that since the beginning of the month around 2,400 drivers have been issued with fines for breaking the rules of the Olympic Games Lanes.
Around 30 miles of road has been given over to use by Olympic officials, athletes and other VIPs since July 25th. However, drivers straying into the lanes during the first few days they were operational were given warnings as part of a grace period to allow motorists to get used to the temporary system.
Mayor of London Boris Johnson said last week that because so many people visiting the capital had decided to get around using public transport miles of Games Lanes had been turned off.
Surface transport chief operating officer for Transport for London, Garrett Emmerson, said it was vital to have the Games Lanes in operation in order to make sure officials and athletes could get to and from venues. He added that the routes were being used flexibly and when possible were being opened up for general traffic.
Transport bosses have said that there has been a compliance rate of 98 per cent with the system. Mr Emmerson said the fines being imposed on those who misused the Games Lanes were meant to be a deterrent and not to produce revenue. He confirmed that so far 2,400 penalty charge notices had been given out resulting in fines worth £312,000.
