Hammersmith & Fulham Council is warning residents and businesses to prepare for severe traffic disruption next Thursday, July 26 as the Olympic Torch Relay reaches the borough.

Transport for London will be putting rolling road closures in place throughout the day, but the councils says it is concerned that there could be gridlock on the roads.

Disruption is likely to be especially bad in areas that the torch will be visiting - Fulham and Shepherds Bush.

The Torch will enter the borough from Kensington and Chelsea (K&C) at around 2pm on Thursday, July 26, travelling west along Fulham Road and through Fulham Town Centre.

It will then travel up North End Road before turning right onto Hammersmith Road and heading back into K&C.

The torch will then re-enter the borough via Holland Park Avenue and travel around Shepherds Bush Green at around 3pm to the site of the 1908 Olympic marathon finishing line in White City. Disruption could be particularly bad in this area as the Torch will be doubling back on itself.

The Torch will complete its journey through the borough past Loftus Road Stadium and return to Shepherds Bush Green on its way to central London at around 4pm.

Cllr Greg Smith, deputy leader and cabinet member for residents’ services, says: "We are enormously excited to welcome the Torch to this borough next week but it is also crucial that residents and businesses understand that there is likely to be some traffic disruption on the day.

" We understand people will want to drive on Thursday but it is only fair that we warn that this will be very difficult. If you need to drive, leave plenty of extra time and be prepared for significantly longer journeys."

The council will be hosting a free celebratory event at Jerdan Place, Fulham, from 11am to 3pm. The event will include food and market stalls, music and performances.

July 20, 2012