The British Retail Consortium (BRC) has warned London mayor Boris Johnson that the capital’s shops may be littered with empty shelves next summer unless restrictions on deliveries are eased.
In a letter sent to Mr Johnson on behalf of the city’s retailers, the industry group warned that pedestrianisation and road closures during the Olympic Games are likely to cause logistical problems and called for the existing ban on night-time deliveries to be lifted.
“Retailers will have to make deliveries overnight during the Games in order to satisfy customer demand. We need to know that the necessary steps are being taken to lift local restrictions,” said BRC director general Stephen Robertson.
Mr Robertson went on to add that the Olympics and Paralympics represent a “great opportunity” for both London and the rest of the country, but urged Mr Johnson to clarify when truckers will be allowed to deliver goods to shops while the Games are ongoing.
Last week, the BRC backed government plans to reform the apprenticeship system, claiming current arrangements can often deter businesses from giving young people opportunities.
