Statement regarding deliveries during the Olympic period

With the Olympic Route Network passing through the Royal Borough, the cycling road race routed along Knightsbridge, Brompton Road and Fulham Road and the volleyball competition at Earls Court, the road network in the borough is going to be under pressure during the Olympic and Paralympic Games from 28 July to 9 September. Traffic restrictions during this time will have an impact on delivery and servicing for businesses in the borough, almost certainly leading to an increase in ‘out of hours’ activity between midnight and 6am.

This may be a problem for those businesses where delivery times are restricted by planning permission or premises licence conditions, because deliveries that take place outside the specified hours may be in breach of conditions, and could be open to enforcement action by the Council.

The Council will ensure a balance between its wish to support the Games and help businesses, alongside its statutory planning and licensing duties with regards to ‘out of hours’ delivery activity.

Businesses should  look carefully at their delivery routes to see if  deliveries can be reduced or combined, and should consider stocking up in advance as far as possible, or using one vehicle for deliveries from multiple suppliers or for several nearby businesses at one drop-off point.

It is recognised that the Games may cause difficulties for businesses, and the Council will take a reasonably flexible approach provided servicing and deliveries are carried out in a responsible and sensitive manner in accordance with the TfL code.

However where businesses are not mindful of their neighbours enforcement action could be taken.  Complaints about late night noise from servicing activities will be handled in the usual manner, through the usual channels, and problems will be assessed case by case and our policy will be monitored throughout the Games, and revised as necessary.

Councillor Tim Ahern, Cabinet Member for Planning, said: “We recognise that the traffic restrictions that will be in place during the Olympic Games will have an impact on delivery and servicing for businesses in the borough.  We urge business to plan now to see if they can change the way they operate and to contact us if they need to apply for a variation.  Of course we will look to be flexible where we can provided businesses act in a sensible and considerate manner.”

If you would like clarification about anything on planning conditions please contact the Planning Information Office at the Town Hall on 020 7361 3012 or planning@rbkc.gov.uk.

If you would like to consider applying for a minor variation under the Licensing Act 2003 to suspend any conditions that may restrict your delivery/rubbish collection times, or have any other questions relating to licensing during the period of the Olympic Games, please contact the Licensing Team on 020 7341 5152 or licensing@rbkc.gov.uk.

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