As we get ready for the London 2012 Olympic Games, GEM offers smart travel tips for all those affected this summer.

With thousands of people descending upon the capital, planned road closures, public transport delays, and overcrowding; the majority of journeys in and around London will be affected throughout July and August. So, for an easy way into the Games take GEM’s useful travel advice:

  1. Free pass – all those lucky enough to have tickets to the Olympic Games this summer receive a free travel card for zones 1-9 to get to and from the event
  2. Try two wheels – take advantage of the Barclays Cycle Hire scheme and get from A to B quickly and easily, leaving your bike at one of the hundreds of docking stations. Check tfl.gov.uk before you travel to find out about closures
  3. Fuel efficiency – lift sharing is a great way of saving petrol and reducing the number of cars on the road, whenever you can, share a journey with family or friends
  4. Private parking – people all over London are renting out their drives and parking spaces so secure your spot rather than queuing for public car parks. Try parkatmyhouse.co.uk or rentduringthegames.co.uk for details
  5. Head in the clouds – steer clear of busy roads and travel on the new Emirates Air Line cable cars, which runs from Greenwich to the Royal Docks
  6. Cruise control – take to the water and get into the Games via a river taxi on the Thames. Visit thamesclippers.com or citycruises.com for schedules and prices
  7. Stay in lane – look out for the dedicated Games lanes for officials and athletes driving to events. Using these lanes, which have started opening now, could result in a fine
  8. Trouble on the tube – check the getaheadofthegames.com website for tube closures and up-to-the-minute travel updates during the Games

David Williams MBE, ceo of GEM Motoring Assist, comments: “This summer is an extremely exciting time for the whole nation, however, our transport systems are going to be under a huge amount of pressure. Planning your journey fully before you set off will ensure you see the very best bits of London during the Games while avoiding unnecessary hardship.”