Cardinus Risk Management has prepared a bullet point checklist for drivers and fleet operators facing a summer of disruption across the UK.

John Davidge, head of fleet technical at Cardinus Risk Management, said, “We get used to cool, wet weather in the summer, so when we get a hot spell it can catch out some drivers. But even if we don’t get too much heat to contend with, there will be no escaping the effect of the Olympics this summer. I predict a fair amount of disruption and I hope our advice will help everyone keep cool, whatever the weather.”

  • The Olympic Torch relay – http://www.london2012.com/torch-relay/route/ will tell you where not to go, day by day.
  • The Olympics is a ‘public transport’ only event with absolutely NO parking at the event locations. Plan ahead and remember to allow for substantial security delays getting into the venues. For those of us not attending, stay well clear.
  • In London consider the effects of ‘Olympic Road Network’ – much longer ‘greens’ at traffic lights on the through road will increase delay and frustration on the minor roads so why go that way?
  • Having been to the main event, the number of tourists holidaying in the UK afterwards will be higher than usual. What if that car ahead is a hire car driven by someone who has never been to the UK before?
  • When the engine stops, so does the aircon. Rising temperatures lead to mistakes. If you are delayed or diverted, will you have enough fuel to keep going?
  • Peak District, the Lakes, the coast, or London – one thing we can guarantee is a queue of traffic. Have you planned your timing to take account of delays?
  • Arriving at your chosen location, have you got change for parking? Or will you be held up dashing around to find some?
  • Fatigue leads to collisions; a common cause is simply dehydration. Take plenty of water in the car so you are not caught out whilst in a queue, it’s cheaper than a service area.
  • You might have aircon or climate control in your car but not everybody is that fortunate. ‘Hot and bothered’ leads to frayed tempers, mistakes, crashes. Will you be ready for the errors of those around you? Leave space for their problems not to affect you.
  • Reliability breeds complacency but even the best car needs servicing. Breakdown services will be stretched, better not to need them, but do you have your membership information to hand if you need it?
Author: Fleet News