03/07/12
By Karen Moss
Many retailers are still underestimating the extent of the disruption that could result from the Olympic Games this summer, according to DPD. The parcel company is calling on all retailers to talk to their delivery companies about arranging additional collections or bringing forward their main collection by an hour as well as talking to customers about potential delays between the peak period of mid July and mid September.
Dwain McDonald, DPD's CEO says: "We are fast approaching the period of likely disruption. In our plans we are estimating the maximum period for potential disruption to deliveries to certain postcodes to be up to 50 days between mid July and mid September. Sites like Westfield shopping centre are now "locked down" and the organisers are starting to change road layouts to prepare the Olympic Route Network which will have a significant impact in the coming weeks.
"There is huge potential for delays and inconvenience for customers so it is important that online retailers communicate clearly with customers about arrangements during the Olympic period, especially if they are going to introduce earlier cut-off times for next day delivery or if they are located in the areas likely to be most affected by disruption.
"With three million additional journeys anticipated on peak days and the Olympic Route Network affecting 109 miles of road, the impact during peak times will be very severe."
