OLYMPIC traffic restrictions in Redbridge will not be as severe as in other parts of the capital, but the borough will still face major disruption on two of its busiest roundabouts.

Drivers in London are facing tough measures, including a ban on right hand turns and phasing of traffic lights on some roads, to allow Olympic VIPs to be whisked to and from venues in the shortest possible time.

Special ‘Games Lanes’ will come into play on many of the roads included in the 109 mile Olympic Network, and pedestrian crossings will even be closed on some stretches.

Current TfL plans suggest motorists in Redbridge heading for central London will be unable to access the A12 from the Green Man roundabout between 6am and 11am.

And access to Redbridge Lane East from the Redbridge roundabout will be subject to restrictions between 12noon and midnight to make it easier for VIPs to access canoeing events at Lea Valley.

Stephen Isaacs, a 72-year-old taxi driver from Malcolm Way in Snaresbrook, says many of his colleagues are worried about the impact restrictions will have on their pockets.

He added: “A lot of cabbies I know are dreading it.

“And it’s not just us. The restrictions at those two roundabouts will make it hard for a lot of people to get to work.

“All these measures are a joke thought up by people sitting in offices who know nothing about what really goes on on London’s roads.”

Peter Rowe, 56, who lives on Chestnut Drive close to the Green Man roundabout, agrees that the roads could be set for traffic jams during the Games, but he feels it is a price worth paying.

He said: “I suppose all the traffic will go up Whipps Cross Road towards the Whipps Cross roundabout instead.

“I’m not looking forward to the chaos, but I think overall the Olympics will be a good thing for London so I’m willing to put up with two weeks of hell.”

Garrett Emmerson, Chief Operating Officer Surface Transport at TfL, said: “The only physical traffic measure in Redbridge will be the temporary closure of the exit from Redbridge Roundabout on to Redbridge Lane East in the afternoons and this will most likely only be on the days that there are events on at the Lea Valley White Water Centre.

"No pedestrian crossings will be affected and there will be no other changes to traffic measures in the borough.

“Just outside of Redbridge, TfL is proposing to close the A12 westbound exit from the Green Man Roundabout for the morning peak, and only as required.”

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