UK freight operators are preparing to keep the wheels of industry turning during the world’s biggest bike race - the Tour de France which is set to begin this weekend; The Grand Départ and three stages of the competition will take place across various roads in Britain; starting in Leeds the race will then head to Harrogate and then on to York, Sheffield, Cambridge and London.
Every year, the Tour attracts over 12 million spectators who line the route, with tens of thousands expected to support the cyclists on the UK stages which begin when it starts this weekend.
. Day one: Saturday 5 July, Grand Départ and Stage 1, from Leeds to Harrogate
. Day two: Sunday 6 July, Stage 2, from York to Sheffield
. Day three: Monday 7 July, Stage 3 starting in Cambridge and ending in Central London
Freight operators receiving or delivering in Yorkshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex or London have been warned that they may be affected by congestion and increased journey times because of road closures in the areas around the route.
Malcolm Bingham, FTA Head of Policy North of England said:
“This important sporting event will undoubtedly bring disruption to the UK road network this weekend, particularly on the Yorkshire legs and then onwards from Cambridge to London on Monday 7 July. The freight industry has been working hard to plan around the road closures to help ensure that deliveries will be made as close to normal as possible. FTA will be supporting the industry and is providing real time traffic information via its website and to Association members via email during the three British stages.”
A detailed fact sheet is available to be downloaded outlining the routes including the Grand Départ and the two stages of the Tour in Yorkshire. London is also expected to be congested on Monday 7 July as a large number of roads will be closed between 10am and 6pm after all the riders have passed through the areas and it is safe to do so. The Transport for London (TfL) website had full details of the routes and areas that will be affected.
For full details of road closure information for the Grande Depart of the Tour de France 2014 visit the website: http://letour.yorkshire.com/freight