London Latest - 2012 Olympic Security Plans Near Budget; "Ride with Cav"

(ATR) The Metropolitan Police says security plans for the 2012 Olympics are close to hitting their $955 million budget.

Assistant commissioner Chris Allison, who is overseeing the policing of the Games,told the Greater London Assembly on Tuesday that even though the British government thought the cost could come in at around $755 million, he believed the Met Police would use the full original amount.

"The government had hoped to come in at [$755 million] but said that [$955 million] would still be available," Allison said.

"We are at or around the [$755 million] figure at the moment, but we are still looking at some business cases. We’re working our way through that."

Allison also admitted that there's an additional $378 million that they can use in the case that the threat level – which is already going to be "severe" for the games – was raised.

"The escalation is a move from ‘severe’ to ‘critical," he explained.

"Our response could be something like putting out barriers, large numbers of police officers mobilized, the sort of stuff we had to do after [the 7/7 subway bombings]. So if we had to do that over a sustained period, that very very quickly soaks up money."

Allison also stressed the fact that the money would be used to make sure that policing up and down the country remains as functional as possible while large numbers of officers are transferred to the capital for a large portion of the summer.

He said that on peak days, there would be around "12,000 officers delivering a safe Games" but that in London there would also need to be 9,000 officers policing the streets as they normally would.

Allison was quick to point out that security would not be an "oppressive force" next summer.

"We haven’t over-egged it at all," he told the London Assembly.

"Security needs to be there but in a way that is not oppressive and doesn’t interrupt the Games – but people need to be safe."

Cavendish Rides for Free Breakfast

Cycling enthusiasts rode out in force alongside world champion and Olympic hopeful Mark Cavendish on Monday courtesy of Holiday Inn, the official hotel provider for London 2012.

The aptly titled "Ride With Cav" was part of Holiday Inn’s unique experiences involving athletes including in its Engagement Program.

Cavendish andabout 50 other emerging British athleteswill receive a total of 1,500 free room nights around the world in the lead-up to the Games.

"As I spend a lot of time away from home at cycling events around the world, it’s great to have the support and free nights from Holiday Inn," said the reigning road race and two-time Madison world champ.

"It’s also a huge advantage to be able to have my coaching team and family with me when I’m training or competing abroad because they give me an extra boost."

The first 100 cyclists to complete the ride at Redbridge Cycling Center in London were treated to a free breakfast trackside and a chance to meet the Tour de France green jersey winner.

As part of its partnership with London 2012, Holiday Inn will be working with LOCOG to welcome and accommodate Olympians in the Athletes Village at the Games next summer.

Written and reported in London by Christian Radnedge.

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