Advice for campers, caravanners and motorhome users planning to

holiday around the time of the London 2012 Games

London 2012

March 2012 v7

2

Advice for Campers, Caravanners and Motorhome Users Planning to Holiday Around the Time of the London 2012 Games

Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 2

Prepare in advance ......................................................................................................................... 3

Check for travel restrictions ........................................................................................................... 5

Plan where you will stay ................................................................................................................. 6

Stay safe ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Advice for Overseas Visitors ........................................................................................................... 8

Accessibility Advice ........................................................................................................................ 9

Introduction

uring the summer of 2012, London and a number of other venues around Britain will be hosting the

Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games:

Olympic Games 27 July-12 August Paralympic Games 29 August-9 September

For those wishing to attend events, it will be vital to plan well in advance, as visitor numbers are anticipated to be large, demand for accommodation will be high, and pressure on the transport infrastructure significant. For those not planning to attend, it is still worth considering whether the impact of the Games will be such that usual holiday plans may be affected. The sections of this guide on planning in advance and travel restrictions are equally relevant to those wishing to avoid potential Games-related congestion as they are to those wishing to attend.

In addition, there are a range of supporting events around the country both during and in advance of the Games themselves, which are both attractions and sources of potential disruption. This document aims to provide visitors from both the UK and overseas with advice enabling them to plan and achieve an enjoyable trip. It is not intended as a definitive guide, however, and travellers are encouraged to check for updated information using the links included, or in the general media.

D

London 2012

March 2012 v7

3

Prepare in advance

he Games will impact travel and accommodation well ahead of the opening ceremonies, and some effect

will continue through the Transition Period between the two competitions. In addition, many visitors will combine a trip to the Games with other holiday activities before, during and afterwards, leading to pressure on popular tourist destinations. Visitor levels anticipated at some specific events are worth noting:

The Olympic Park has a capacity of 240,000 people

‘Live Sites’ are planned around the country to watch events on big screens, some anticipated to attract up to 80,000 people

Some event locations outside London have significant visitor capacities (e.g. sailing at Weymouth 50,000, and rowing at Eton Dorney 30,000)

Most visitors to London venues will use public transport, with the majority using trains (including the Underground and Docklands Light Railway). This may mean up to 3 million additional journeys by 800,000 people on the busiest day

It’s highly likely these numbers will put pressure on any capacity-limited facility i.e. transport systems, accommodation and parking. Services such as accommodation, coach transfers, park and ride schemes etc will be heavily booked early on, and are likely to sell out. It’s vital for visitors to make arrangements in advance to avoid disappointment and undue difficulties. The principal source of information for visitors to the Games is the official website:

This includes details of all venues, travel recommendations and general guidance. The site is large and, while comprehensive, some valuable information is not immediately visible without passing through several levels of click-throughs:

Park and Ride schemes and direct coaches (some incorporating rail travel from Ebbsfleet International station in Kent) are provided by the official transport provider, First Group. Our advice is to book as far in advance as possible:

Advice received from the First Group Games Travel Team is that the official Park and Ride schemes will accommodate motorhomes in addition to cars, subject to them being no more than 9m long, and not towing a trailer. The only location known have a height restriction is that at Lakeside Shopping Centre (2.1m). Motorhomes will probably require a ‘minibus’ rather than a ‘standard’ parking bay, and owners are advised it may be best to book by phone (0844 921 2012) instead of online, to ensure suitable parking is available.

T

www.london2012.com (Information in English and French)

www.firstgroupgamestravel.com

March 2012 v7

4

Regarding potential travel disruption, advice on this is included for each venue, but much of the detail is in a section aimed at businesses in the surrounding area. However, this advice is equally applicable to anyone needing to plan a leisure journey: To find events throughout the UK, not just for the period of the Games, but for many months in advance, there is a comprehensive event calendar. Note this includes details of supporting activities such as the Cultural Olympiad, and preparatory events to test the venues:

The official website does not, however, appear to include any significant tent, caravan or motorhome-specific advice, in respect of travelling or accommodation. While much focus for advice is web-based, there is a phone enquiry service on 0845 267 2012, 9am-6pm, Monday to Friday. Although details for the major events are finalised, along with associated travel guidance, many supporting events around the country are still being planned, and there will inevitably be new and updated information becoming available. It is strongly recommended that travellers make use of sources of updated information on events and planning, including:

Particularly if travelling some distance, take time before setting off to check your vehicle – it could save hours of delay by avoiding a breakdown, and could also help prevent a hold-up for other motorists:

Petrol: (or diesel) Do you have enough fuel, or know where to fill up?

Oil: A quick check is always advisable, but once a month is OK for a well maintained modern car

Water: Check and top up engine coolant and screen wash

Damage: Check around the vehicle to confirm nothing has been damaged or gone missing

Electrics: Are lights, indicators and other controls working properly?

Rubber: i.e. tyres. Check pressure, tread depth and for any damage

There’s a simple mnemonic to remember these checks….POWDER.

Traffic England www.trafficengland.com

BBC www.bbc.co.uk/2012

YouTube www.youtube.com/london2012

Twitter www.twitter.com/london2012

Facebook www.facebook.com/london2012

www.london2012.com/get-involved/whats-on

March 2012 v7

5

Check for travel restrictions

fficial advice regarding road closures, lane restrictions, and anticipated transport delays for

each Games venue is provided via the website below:

Roads defined as the Olympic Route Network or Paralympic Route Network during the Games have restrictions on certain days at certain times. These ensure competitors, officials, media and organisers etc can access events, training areas and accommodation without difficulty:

Existing London vehicle restrictions continue during the Games, for instance:

Congestion Charging Zone (CCZ) – This covers central London from 7:00am to 6:00pm, Monday to Friday. It applies to cars (with or without a caravan) and motorhomes, and costs £10 per day. Foreign-registered vehicles also pay the charge. Blue Badge holders may qualify for an exemption (see separate section).

Low Emission Zone (LEZ) – This covers a larger area than the CCZ - most of the area within the M25 orbital motorway and a small area outside it. Many Games Venues are within the LEZ, as are several

permanent campsites. The LEZ doesn’t apply to cars (solo or towing). It covers larger and older diesel motorhomes, however. The precise rules are quite involved – refer to the website or phone service below to check specific vehicles. Foreign vehicles must register with Transport for London if exempt from the Penalty Charge, as must Northern Irish-registered vehicles. Other vehicles meeting the emissions requirements do not need registering. Note that registration can take 10 working days. Failure to comply with LEZ rules may incur a £100-200 Penalty Charge. Blue Badge users are not exempt.

Royal Parks – Motorhomes may enter and park when a Park is open to the public. However, Royal Parks Regulations prevent caravans being towed through or parked in a Royal Park. Royal Parks are Hyde Park, Richmond Park, Regent’s Park, St James’s Park, Greenwich Park, Kensington Gardens, Bushy Park, Green Park and Brompton Cemetery.

ill stay

O

www.royalparks.gov.uk 0300 061 2000 (UK)

www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/lez

0845 607 0009 (UK) or +44 207 310 8998 (outside UK)

www.tfl.gov.uk/roadusers/congestioncharging 0845 900 1234 (UK)

www.london2012.com/olympic-route-network/home.html

www.getaheadofthegames.com

www.twitter.com/gaotg

March 2012 v7

6

Plan where you will stay

ith large numbers of visitors anticipated to be looking for accommodation of all types

during and around the time of the Games, it is highly likely that the pressure on pitch availability for camping and will be very high. Priorities will therefore need to be:

Finding accommodation in a suitable location

Booking early to secure a place

Ensuring accommodation will be to an acceptable standard and price

Avoiding legal and security concerns

Ensuring access to public transport if attending Games-related events

There are a limited number of permanent camp sites in and round the London area and close to the other Games venues. Many will take advance bookings well ahead of the Games, and are likely to be fully booked some while beforehand. There may be very limited late availability as small numbers of individuals inevitably change their plans at the last minute. These facilities should be reliable, and have clear pricing, with minimal security risk and no legal concerns. Temporary sites to provide additional pitch capacity are being run by several organisations. Site quality is likely to vary, depending on the skill and experience of the organisers, especially whether they have a track record of providing similar facilities. Before making a booking, establish the exact location, access arrangements and linkage to public transport networks. Reports have circulated of suspected promotion of fake camp sites on the internet, intended to attract bookings when no actual site exists. Hard evidence of this is difficult to establish, but campers should be suitably careful. Local authorities should be aware of any camp site plans in their area

and, if unsure of the validity of a particular site, it may be worth checking with them. Casual (wild) camping is generally illegal in the UK, although it is allowed in some National Parks and many areas of Scotland, usually with an interpretation of it meaning ‘lightweight campers’ (i.e. small man-portable tents that can be carried, not motorised vehicles). In order to camp elsewhere, the landowner’s permission is required, and commercially provided (i.e. paid-for) pitches will require planning permission or authorisation from an ‘exempted organisation’ (a Club or other body granted a licence by Government to approve small scale sites). On private land, there may be minimal (if any) facilities and possible security concerns in more isolated locations. Many publicly-accessible areas (e.g. lay-bys, car parks, roadside verges etc) are not legally usable for camping purposes, and users risk being moved on by the police. Lay-bys and roadside verges form part of the public highway, and are thus generally prohibited by law from being used for overnight parking and camping. Local by-laws may further restrict parking (either overnight or even during the day) of certain types or sizes of vehicle, so observe any signposted notices. The laws on casual camping are sometimes flaunted, but relying on ‘getting away with it’ not only risks being moved on or even prosecuted, but also puts vehicles and occupants at increased risk of being targeted for crime. Casual camping is therefore discouraged in the strongest possible terms.

W

March 2012 v7

7

Stay safe

hile camping and caravanning are generally safe activities, there are risks which need to be

considered when any large scale event is going to take place. Large numbers of motorhomes, tents, caravans, and cars will end up left on sites and car parking areas throughout the day, while their owners are attending events. Ensure that vehicles are left secure, and that valuables are not on view. It would be prudent to make sure that insurance cover is up to date, and, where possible, consider the use of additional security devices such as wheel locks/clamps, hitchlocks etc. Some locations will be inherently safer places to leave vehicles than others. Permanent camp sites, well-organised temporary sites, and official or other well-established car parks are preferred. Experience suggests that the least safe place to stay in a caravan or motorhome is an isolated spot such as lay-by or car park with nearby access to a major road or motorway. Such locations, which are common sites for illegal wild camping may be targeted by thieves. Be aware of fire safety on large camp sites. Usual advice is to ensure that there is at least a 3m separation between adjacent caravans, motorhomes or tents (including any awning). Temporary sites which do not allow for such separation should be avoided. Take particular care with barbecues or other outdoor cooking. Take care in crowds while at events, and while travelling to and from. Large crowds are natural magnets for pick pockets and bag snatchers.

Roads near Games venues, access routes to parking areas and major arterial routes are likely to become congested at times during the Games, with consequent risk of traffic accidents. Where journeys can be planned to avoid the busiest times, it would be wise to do so. Be aware that many visitors will be from outside the UK, and hence may not be familiar with UK signage or traffic rules. In the unfortunate event of breaking down while travelling, breakdown cover will be highly beneficial, and be familiar with the correct procedure if you break down on the motorway (use the hard shoulder only in a genuine emergency; exit the vehicle safely, and get everyone to safety; use the Emergency Roadside Telephones by preference to call for assistance, as these help locate you; use a mobile phone to call 999 as an alternative otherwise; wait in a safe place for assistance to arrive). The Olympic Delivery Authority and the UK security services will be making major efforts to keep visitors safe from a range of threats – not just terrorism, but public order, serious and organised crime and non-malicious incidents such as accidents and extreme weather. To avoid conflict with these efforts, campers and caravanners should ensure they behave in a supportive manner, taking care to be cooperate with security arrangements, and do not cause difficulties by, for example, parking or pitching vehicles in inappropriate places.

W

March 2012 v7

8

Advice for Overseas Visitors

or those who are unfamiliar with travelling within the UK, the following notes and web links provide an

overview of some issues to bear in mind. If driving in the UK, The Highway Code provides comprehensive advice on the rules of the road, traffic signs, speed limits etc, plus guidance for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians:

Drivers require a suitable driving licence:

and suitable insurance:

Remember that traffic in the UK drives on the left hand side of the road. Take particular care at junctions or after driving along a one way street. Signs and traffic restrictions in urban areas (especially London) can be complex if unfamiliar with them, and particular care may be required. Watch out for lanes dedicated to buses or cycles, for restrictions on parking or even stopping (Red Routes), and zones from which certain vehicles are prohibited. Be aware that there is extensive

enforcement of restrictions, including by automated cameras. If using public transport, there is an excellent door-to-door journey planner available which offers bus, coach, train, tram, underground (metro) and ferry options:

For travelling in London, Transport for London offer advice and visitor tickets which can be bought in advance:

F

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/

Motorinsurance/DG_067628

http://visitorshop.tfl.gov.uk

www.transportdirect.info/

www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/DriverLicensing/DrivingInGbOnAForeignLicence

www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode

March 2012 v7

9

Accessibility Advice

he Olympic Delivery Authority are committed to making events, transportation and services

accessible. In addition to ticketing arrangements which accommodate particular needs, there are a range of other provisions being made. The official park and ride schemes include arrangements for Blue Badge parking and accessible shuttle buses. The official direct coach services also offer accessible arrangements, including wheelchair and mobility scooter transportation. A limited number of Blue Badge parking spaces are available at event venues. It is likely to be essential to pre-book all of these travel options:

A free Games Mobility service will operate inside each venue, with manual wheelchairs and mobility scooters available for loan, plus guides for visually impaired people to find their seats. Accessible toilets, a Changing Places (adult changing) toilet, assistance dog facilities, audio description/commentary and audio augmentation for hearing aid users will be available at each venue. Advice for general accessibility issues round London (public transport, visitor attractions, healthcare etc) can be found at the Inclusive London website:

As far as camp sites are concerned, permanent sites are likely to have good accessible features such as toilets, showers etc. The level of accessibility on temporary camp sites is likely to vary greatly, and may well be much less comprehensive. It would be prudent to check any specific requirements with the site organiser before booking. For overseas visitors, it will depend on your country of origin to determine whether Parking Cards issued in your home country are recognised in the UK. Advice for those travelling from most countries is included in the FIA Guide for the disabled traveller:

The Highways Agency also publishes advice for disabled road users:

T

www.highways.gov.uk/disability

www.fiadisabledtravellers.com

www.inclusivelondon.com www.fiadisabledtravellers.com

www.firstgroupgamestravel.com/accessible-modes-of-transport

March 2012 v7

10

This guidance has been prepared by The Caravan Club in

association with the Highways Agency.

Membership of The Caravan Club currently stands at just over 375,000 households, representing the interests of 1 million caravanners, motorhome owners and trailer tent owners.

Members enjoy access to the largest network of privately owned, quality sites in the UK and Ireland.

www.caravanclub.co.uk

The Highways Agency is an Executive Agency of the Department for Transport (DfT), and is responsible for operating, maintaining and improving the strategic road network in England on behalf of

the Secretary of State for Transport.

www.highways.gov.uk

These organisations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on a number of key issues

including towing safety and journey reliability.

Document author: Martin Spencer

Copyright © 2012 The Caravan Club All Rights Reserved