Security will be tight and very well organised at the 2012 Olympics in London in the wake of the 2005 tragedy when terrorists blew up three tube trains and a bus killing over 50 people.

Although tight lipped about what security is in place the security agencies “are all over it” according to a spokesperson for the London Organising Committee (LOCOG).

A security force is in place and has been focused on anti-terrorism since the 05 attacks, the LOCOG source said.

Sir Ian Johnston, the Director of Security and Christian Donelan, LOCOG Security Operations Manager, addressed the 2nd World Press Briefing in London.

Search and screening operations will be performed at all Olympic venues at Games’ time. There will be a high security presence on the tube network particularly the stations where sniffer dogs trained to detect explosives will be used in random checks.

Sir Ian told the conference mass screening of the thousands of tube train passengers heading for the Games was too hard. It would result in massive congestion and long delays.

Earlier, Paul Deighton, CEO of London 2012, told the conference “construction is on time and on budget” with just under two years to the Games. LOCOG has an infrastructure budget of $9.3 billion.

He admitted dealing with the congested city transport network is a big challenge but they are “determined to make it work”.

Despite his optimism Deighton warned there are always “unknowns you can’t plan for. Volcanic ash is one,” he said.

Mike Tancred in London
AOC