Van drivers are advised to plan ahead when going about their business during the Olympic Games that starts towards the end of July.

London streets may be congested during the Olympic Games so van drivers need to plan their journeys.With London expected to have thousands more visitors during the summer period roads are likely to be congested increasing travelling times even though numerous “Olympic” lanes have been created to help ease the movement of traffic.

Swinton Vans conducted a survey of 1,200 van drivers in London revealing that 32 % of them were of the opinion that they were adequately prepared for the extra traffic that was expected on the capital’s roads due to the Olympic Games. A mere 20% will consider using different routes to make their journeys easier and less stressful. Only 10% of van drivers had considered making journeys through the night to deliver goods.

Of course, from an insurance perspective, you are more likely to have an accident whilst driving your van with more vehicles on the roads so, presumably, van insurance providers will be expecting an increase in claims. Let’s hope that this does not have any major impact on van insurance premiums.

Transport for London (TfL) has taken the opportunity to create a website www.freightplanner.tfl.gov.uk which provides van drivers with alternative routes and suggestions for those areas likely to be affected.

The Commercial Vehicle Manager of Swinton, Phil Moss, commented: “It is fantastic that our capital city is hosting the 2012 Olympic Games but van drivers need to bear in mind that roads around central London and The Games venues will be extremely busy. It is vital that van drivers plan their routes ahead as this will save money in the long run and reduce fuel costs. Van drivers should also make sure their van insurance policy is up-to-date as accidents are more likely to happen in busier traffic conditions.”

Source: Swinton Vans – July 2012