The coalition Government’s minister James Brokenshire has pledged to deliver a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games next year, and has made good use of YouTube to convey that message to the public (watch the video at the foot of this news item).
Marking one year until the start of the 2012 London Games, the crime and security minister explained: “This is something that we want the country to enjoy. Our focus is on ensuring a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games for London and the UK as a whole.”
Brokenshire stated that a programme of security exercises are taking place to test Government, the police and other agencies.
A range of scenarios that could impact on the smooth running of the Games will be looked at, such as long queues, transport disruption or a terrorist attack.
“We’re confident that the plans are in place,” asserted Brokenshire. “We want to test them out. We want to make sure that they are going to operate in the way we anticipate so that when it comes to Games time we’re ready and know what to expect.”
Ticket touts targeted
Plans have also been announced to increase the maximum penalty for people who tout Olympic and Paralympic tickets.
Selling tickets for the London 2012 Games without permission was made a criminal offence in 2006, with fines of up to GB pound 5,000.
An amendment to the London Olympic and Paralympic Games Act 2006 will see that amount increase to GB pound 20,000.
3.5 million tickets have thus far been sold for the 2012 Games, and the final countdown to “the greatest show in the world” has begun.
Construction of the venues and infrastructure for the Games is almost complete with six Olympic Park venues already finished. The Aquatics Centre at the Olympic Park in Stratford, which was completed for the one year milestone, was officially opened yesterday by Jeremy Hunt, Hugh Robertson, Seb Coe and Jacques Rogge.
Speaking ahead of the milestone, Seb Coe said preparations in the Capital were “where we want them to be”, but made clear the importance of a final push.
To celebrate ‘One Year to Go’ to Games opening day, London 2012 has created an interactive Twitter stadium and world map. You can see what the athletes are saying about London 2012, see which teams Twitter fans around the world are supporting with the #1yeartogo hashtag and tweet your support for your team in the click of a button.
Access the dedicated link at the foot of this page
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