Olympic VIP route 'will cause a rubbish blight'

KEY London streets could be blighted by rubbish during the 2012 Olympics because of plans for a VIP road network.

Travel restrictions on hundreds of routes may prevent refuse lorries from reaching more than 1,000 shops and restaurants, council chiefs warn. The bags could be left uncollected on the 250 miles of the Olympic Route Network, to be used by 80,000 athletes, officials, dignitaries, broadcasters and sponsors.

Borough leaders also say the restrictions will hit road maintenance. And they fear parking permits could be suspended, causing chaos for residents.

The ORN lanes will operate 24 hours a day. "Non-Olympic" vehicles that stray into them face fines of up to £5,000.

The Department for Transport is "working to resolve issues" with London Councils, representing all 32 boroughs.