London traffic chaos: Athletes, officials and media descend on London as hated Olympic lanes open

Although the Games lanes are not set to open until July 25 - specially designated road lanes that will hurry Olympic VIPs to venues thanks to specially adjusted traffic lights - Transport for London (TfL) has warned drivers to avoid travel hotspots in central London from tomorrow.

It is also understood that the Games lanes on the M4 - covering the main route between Heathrow airport and central London - will be in operation from Monday July 16.

The Olympic torch makes its week-long journey through London from July 21, inevitably adding to the travel madness.

TfL warned that this weekend's arrivals - which coincide with the official opening of the Olympic Village on Monday - "will lead to a significant increase in the number of vehicles on the roads in central London, around the Olympic Route Network (ORN) and Games venues".

Normal folk are advised to plan ahead and not get "caught out" by congestion in the Games' travel hotspots.

Image: Getty