Olympic Torch: Exact Route Revealed

As LOCOG, the London 2012 Organising Committee, announces the Olympic Torch Relay route through Hampshire, the County Council will be working around the clock to ensure a safe journey for the convoy and torch bearers.

Hampshire will be hosting one of the biggest rolling road blocks it has seen since the Tour de France in 1994.

As the torch moves through each designated town the Council's highways and emergency planning staff will be doing their bit to ensure traffic keeps moving - as well as making sure spectators lining the streets get the best possible view.  

The Olympic Torch will be in Hampshire on 11, 14, 15 and 16 July 2012 making its way through Basingstoke, Winchester, Andover, The New Forest, Southampton and Portsmouth.

Hampshire County Council's 51 Accredited Community Safety Officers (ACSOs) will be supporting the torch relay by marshalling the crowds, creating safe road crossings and helping ensure traffic stays on the move.

With a long experience of large public events and parades, the ACSOs are already looking ahead to the challenges of this unprecedented event.

The County's Emergency Planning staff are also working hard in partnership with district and borough councils, police and fire services to ensure each stage of the relay runs as safely and smoothly as possible. 

Highways officers are supporting district and borough councils with their traffic and event management plans. Past experience, best practice and inside intelligence from LOCOG is all being shared to ensure celebrations are enjoyed to the fullest.

To make sure you get the best view of where to see the torch check out the torch relay pages on the Councils dedicated website: www.hants.gov.uk/2012 There is also information on potential Olympians, how schools can get involved and a big list of all the events and activities happening around the County to celebrate the Olympics.

Leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber said:

"We are working hard to ensure Hampshire residents are able to get the best possible view of the torch and enjoy the street carnival atmosphere,  as well as still be able to travel to where they need to go."

Sebastian Coe, Chair of LOCOG added:

"Today we bring the Olympic Torch Relay to life.

"The Flame symbolises the Olympic spirit and its journey around the UK will bring the excitement of the Games to our streets.

"Now the people know the route the Olympic Flame will be carried along and the Torchbearers for their community, they can start planning how they might  celebrate and make it Hampshire’s moment to shine."

An average of 115 Torchbearers a day will carry the Olympic Flame during its 8,000 mile journey around the UK before it arrives at the Olympic Stadium on 27 July 2012 for the lighting of the cauldron at the Opening Ceremony, signifying the official start of the London 2012 Olympic Games.