ACFO urges fleets to implement a range of initiatives to limit business disruption when the Olympics arrive in Britain in the summer and make sure operating efficiency is maintained.

That was the message to almost 100 fleet decision-makers who attended a special Olympic Seminar hosted by ACFO and held at Ford of Britain’s Brentwood headquarters.

Advanced travel planning is vital with up to 800,000 spectators and 55,000 athletes, officials, organisers and members of the media travelling to and from the Olympic venues every day. The Government has said that the overall transport ambition is to reduce non-Olympic demand during the Games by 30%.

Although London is the focal point of both the Olympic Games and the Paralympic Games there are events taking place in many other towns and cities. As a result, organisations may be located many miles from London, but they would be wrong to think that the Games would not impact on them, delegates at the ACFO Seminar were told.

Fleets were also reminded that thousands of vehicles typically available for short-term hire had already been booked by people attending the Games in one capacity or another prompting warnings that short-term hire options would be limited or possibly unavailable.

ACFO chairman Julie Jenner said: “There are less than 140 days to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics and doing nothing is not an option for fleet chiefs.

“However, anecdotal evidence suggests that many employers have under estimated the impact that the Olympic and Paralympic Games will have on their businesses.

“Whether it is staff travelling to and from offices or depots; goods being collected or delivered; or meetings and appointments being held there will be disruption.

“There is a vast amount of information already available in terms of temporary road restrictions being introduced and public transport availability as a result of the Games, but advance planning in conjunction with employees, customers and suppliers is crucial to maintain business efficiency.

“Travel will be affected during July, August and early September, but fleet decision-makers can get ahead of the Games by compiling travel strategies now. Consideration of vehicle and driver utilisation now is essential.”

Jenner added: “It is also important to remember that not only are the Games occurring during the peak UK summer holiday period, but that many employees will also be attending events. Therefore schedules may need to be compiled to ensure sufficient staff are available to ensure optimum business efficiency.”