London was optimistic that in 2012 it could be host to the first-ever Olympic games that was officially car-free. That is until the International Olympic Committee got involved and demanded over 3,000 chauffeured vehicles for various VIPs including dignitaries, officials and corporate sponsors.

Other special treatment includes special lanes that will be closed to outside traffic for two months and the adjustment of over 3,000 traffic lights to ensure the fastest routes possible to the event venues. More than 10,000 athletes will not benefit from any special treatment and will instead use a fleet of coaches. Spectators will also not be permitted to use cars and will have to rely on means such as public transportation to travel to and from the venues. The coach service will also be available to the VIPs, however there are no measures in place that will actually force them to use it.

The contract between the IOC and the city stated that the fleet of cars and other vehicles would be required, however the committee has demanded the contents of the contract be kept a secret, even from the Members of the London Assembly who have been raising questions as to why such a large fleet is necessary. Assembly members are allowed to read the contract - the catch is they must first sign a legal document preventing them from disclosing any of the details.

Jenny Jones, a Green member of the assembly, said: “I am appalled that so many bigwigs will be chauffeured around on dedicated lanes when there is going to be a superb public transport service as well as a special coach service. It is against the whole spirit of the Games, which is meant to be the greenest ever.”

She also criticised the IOC for refusing to divulge the details of its demands in the contract. “It is unacceptable that Londoners still don’t know what they have signed up to in 2012.”

Secret contracts, closed roads, a ban of cars at the venues except for an elite fleet - it all sounds highly hypocritical of the IOC, who have supposedly been working toward introducing environmentally friendly Olympic games, yet refuse to lead by example and instead demand special treatment. It seems green initiatives are of utmost importance to the committee - so long as it doesn't interfere with their own comfort and convenience.

» Times Online