DPD's dedicated Olympics Project Team was formed last year to ensure that we are ready to respond to the challenges created by this summer's Olympic and Paralympic Games. Those preparations are now well underway and we are in a position to share a detailed action plan with our customers.
It is clear from our close liaison with the London Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games (LOCOG) and Transport for London (TfL) that we are likely to experience severe congestion in a number of areas in and around London from mid July to mid September, although we expect there will also be disruption outside those dates due to the Torch Relay, testing of the Olympic transport infrastructure and the Queen's Diamond Jubilee.
There are many statistics associated with both events that help explain the scale of the congestion:
- 24 Olympic venues across London
- 800,000 spectators on peak day
- 10,500 athletes
- 9,000,000 tickets sold
- 21,000 press people in attendance
- 3,000,000 additional transport trips on the busiest day
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We have a detailed plan to ensure that our deliveries and collections are successful throughout this period. However, please note that we will be unable to access certain 'lockdown venues', since they will be closed to all general traffic. Click here for information on deliveries into the 'lockdown venues' Our action plan includes:
DPD has invested £1.3million to ensure that service levels are maintained to the best of our abilities in and around the impacted areas. We cannot absorb all of this cost and have introduced an Olympic surcharge of £1.95 for each consignment delivered into those postcode areas where there is extended disruption within the Olympic congestion zone. We have done everything to keep this charge to a minimum. In order to help you create your own contingency plans for this period, we have produced a matrix which outlines the specific dates and postcodes that will be impacted. |
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We would suggest that you conduct a review of your shipping history to the impacted areas and compare it against the matrix above and then ask the following questions:
Your account manager is available to assist you with any planning queries. |
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Find out more about our proactive notifications in the event of Olympic disruptions by clicking here. |
For further information, take a look at our London Olympic Games 2012 Q&A document by clicking here.
You may also find the following links useful:
- TfL website
- Map of venues
- Temporary road changes
- Torch Relay information
- Olympic Live Sites throughout the UK
- Venue specific information
To view the detailed email bulletin that we recently sent (15 August) to customers, please click here.
For further information, take a look at our London Olympic Games 2012 Q&A document by clicking here.
If you wish to receive future email bulletins, please email us at dpd2012@dpd.co.uk. We will send another communication at the end of June.
| Key Date | Activity |
| End of April |
DPD London Olympic Games 2012 communication to customers and other stakeholders |
| April to June | Transport for London tests routes and the impact of road closures |
| 19 May to 27 July | Torch Relay takes place throughout UK |
| Throughout June | Simulation of new routes and delivery schedules to further understand the impact on our deliveries and collections |
| 2 to 5 June | Queen's Diamond Jubilee celebrations including concert at Buckingham Palace |
| Mid-June to mid-September | Period of likely disruption to DPD services |
| 13 July | Olympic Village opens |
| 27 July to 12 August | Olympic Games |
| 3 August |
Expected to be the busiest day, with all venues active |
| 13 August to 28 August | Transition period with certain areas still locked down |
| 29 August to 9 September | Paralympic Games |
If you would like to receive regular email updates on DPD's approach to the Games, please email us here.







