There is a stir about who will be going fast at the London Olympics.
Not on the athletics track; on the roads.
Health organisations have requested ambulances and other medical vehicles such as those making urgent blood deliveries are able to use dedicated Olympic fast lanes during the games.
The organisers concluded allowing in ambulances and stuff would "undermine the performance of the Olympic Route Network" and "jeopardise the journey time commitments in the host city contract".
The fast lanes will remain restricted to transporting athletes, officials and sponsors. Only ambulances on high-level "blue-light" emergency missions will be allowed.
There are complaints that patients being taken for kidney dialysis or cancer treatment will languish in lengthy traffic jams. Meanwhile VIPs will be sped from hotel to stadium to junket in a fleet of BMW 3 and 5 series cars donated by the motor company.
This is a courageous decision by the Olympics organisers not to let a few routine medical emergencies get in the way. As you know, everything must stop, not only the traffic, during the games. British pride and a lot of money are at stake.
What will people be doing on the roads, anyway, when they should be watching telly and exulting over Team GB winning gold for firing air guns or getting an unexpected bronze in beach volleyball?
If Londoners have to be out and about – going to work, signing on or getting on with life – they should be patient if caught in an Olympic traffic jam. Maybe get out of their cars and wave enthusiastically at athletes and officials as they speed past in a BMW.
Caps should be doffed at passing heads of state. For those who are hatless, headwear will be provided. It is to be hoped the police will be firm with disruptive elements protesting about vehicle congestion inequality.
We assume a team of experts from Glasgow will be at the Olympics to ensure best practice for imposing traffic protocols will be in play for the 2014 Commonwealth Games.
London may consider retaining the fast lanes for fat cats long after the games are over. Help bankers get to Canary Wharf. Call it part of the Olympic heritage.
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