Torch relay traffic advice sent out

Leaflets about the Olympic torch relay are landing on doormats across Leicestershire ahead of the flame's visit next month.

The guide is being delivered this week to around 11,000 homes and businesses on the route to make sure they're aware of traffic and parking restrictions.

The torch travels through Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland on 2nd and 3rd July.

During the relay, a rolling road closure will be used and parking restrictions will be in place along the route - residents will need to remove their vehicles in advance of the convoy.

To reduce congestion, road users are urged to avoid the A6 from Oadby into Leicester from 5pm on 2nd July.

Ernie White, Leicestershire County Council cabinet member for health, said: "The torch relay is an historic occasion and I'm sure residents will line the streets to celebrate the flame's visit and be part of sporting history.

"We want people to have fun so managing the event is important and we're working with the police, city and district councils and others to coordinate plans and ensure safety.

"It's important to stress that with an event of this size, traffic disruption is inevitable but the approach is designed to minimise hold ups and ensure that the event keeps to schedule.

"Signs will be put up in advance to alert road users and marshals will be in place on the day to control traffic but we would urge everyone to read the leaflet, heed the advice and plan ahead."

Traffic on the route will be controlled by a rolling road closure. As the torch progresses, the route and all side road entrances ahead, including car parks and driveways, will be closed.

Roads will be closed off around 10 to 15 minutes in advance of the torch and will open again about 30 minutes later, once the torch convoy has passed.

Longer closures will be needed on parts of the A6 London Road on the evening of July 2nd, while the torch travels from Oadby into Leicester. Some bus services are likely to be re-routed and passengers are advised to keep a look out for any notices posted by operators.

Leicester City Council is sending out information to residents and businesses from 18th June.

Copies of the leaflet and more information are available at www.leics.gov.uk/olympictorchrelay or by calling 0116 305 0001.

On July 2nd, the torch will pass through Market Harborough, Lubenham, Foxton, Kibworth Harcourt, Oadby and stop overnight in Leicester.

On July 3rd, it will leave Leicester and travel through Quorn, Loughborough, Hoton, Wymeswold, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Langham, Oakham, Uppingham and Stamford before ending the day at Peterborough.

LOCOG (London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games) chose to stage the torch relay run-through - the only one of its kind in the country - in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland in April.