I heard (on radio4) that athletes are arriving now and over the next few days (at least 11 days early) to avoid any traffic jams that will undoubtably occur.

But, normal everyday London commuters will have to suffer MAJOR delays over the next month, no doubt.

what will be a once in a lifetime experience.

I keep seeing this comment,be it referring to the torch or olympics themselves & wondering why it would be a once only event as the olympics are every four years.If it was a once only event,I'd be happier as I wouldn't have been around for the first olympics and have to cease watching TV or listening to the radio to avoid hearing the media constantly banging on about security issues,traffic issues etc etc.The majority of the athletes from the UK will never be heard from again after the event,a few will reappear when they receive their award from the Queen then vanish once more.

In one of the linked stories,Boris is saying London is ready,in fact readier...yet I see workmen still involved in the building of the olympic village are on site.So which is it,London is ready...or will be eventually?

I just thank my lucky stars that I will be nowhere near london for the duration of the games. The very existence of these lanes along with the mindset that produced them is an anathema to me.

WTM

"Chegs ®™"

".....wondering why it would be a once only event as the olympics are every four years"

For most people it's probably the only Olympic games that will be hosted here in their lifetime.

"The majority of the athletes from the UK will never be heard from again after the event,a few will reappear when they receive their award from the Queen then vanish once more"

Dear me, your glass is certainly half full, isn't it?

"So which is it,London is ready...or will be eventually?"

As far as I'm aware we're ready. I'm sure there will be people putting finishing touches to things right up to the start of the opening ceremony, but yes, I think London is ready.