Security Budget Balloons London 2012 Costs 30/09/2008 |
|
| |
| |
The Independent reports the London 2012 Summer Olympic Games will break through the 10 billion pound barrier, mostly because officials have "vastly underestimated" the cost of security, which is now nearly three times the original estimate at 1.5 billion pounds, said a senior official.
According to the official, the army will be drafted to help protect athletes and spectators from terrorists. Military helicopters will patrol overhead and jets will be on standby to intercept any suspect private plane heading for the main Olympic stadium. Under Treasury rules the Ministry of Defence would charge the Olympic authorities for such a deployment.
The insider reportedly said security planning was "basically starting from scratch. There are no detailed plans yet but of course it will cost far more, around 1.5 billion pounds".
Officials want the experience of 2012 to be open and shared by all Londoners, with street parties similar to those at the Sydney Games. Giant video screens will be placed in Hyde Park and at other sites where events will take place.
In addition to police officers from Scotland Yard and other forces, tens of thousands of volunteers are needed to check bags and tickets.
A Home Office spokesman said, "the Government and its partners in security are committed to the safety and security of the London 2012 Olympics and a funding envelope of 600 million pounds has been agreed" upon.
Meanwhile, meeting with Australian Olympic officials in Sydney, British Olympic Association Chairman Lord Colin Moynihan said Monday the security budget would be far greater than initial estimates, but "that is a price you absolutely have to pay" to ensure a safe and successful Games. "The safety of the athletes and everybody is paramount. Whatever it takes must be spent in order to secure their safety". He called it "critical".
Lord Moynihan said, "in the bid the amount of money doesn't reflect what we now realize is necessary to make for a secure Games".
He added the budget has not yet been finalized, and the issue is to be discussed at this week's board meeting of organizers in London.
(Source: Gamesbids.com)
|
| Back |
| |
| |
|
|
 |
Advertisement
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
