London during Olympics ‘not a ghost town’ figures show

Monday, August 6, 2012
8:05 AM

The new figures are in stark contrast to reports the capital city had been turned into a ghost town by the Games.

But retailers across London’s Bond Street, Oxford Street and Regent Street said there had been an increase in sales and a higher footfall over the past few days.

Heart of London, the business improvement district representing these areas, said that between Monday and Thursday of last week, footfall was up 11.6% on the previous week and 16.2% up on the same week in 2011.

Meanwhile, passenger numbers on the Tube have hit record highs in the past days.

London Mayor Boris Johnson hailed the uplift in figures.

“This jaw-dropping weekend of outstanding sporting success for Team GB has seen many hundreds of thousands of people travelling to 2012 venues and crowds several deep lining the streets to cheer on Triathlon and Marathon competitors.

“Now London’s transport network is continuing to put in some record-breaking performances of its own as it moves people into and across the city.

“Not only this, but these indicators show that across London we are helping millions of people head into town to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy all that our fantastic city has to offer during this momentous period.”