PARALYMPIC GAMES: Networking (From Dorset Echo)

PARALYMPIC GAMES: Networking

11:30am Saturday 1st September 2012 in News

WEYMOUTH and Portland residents are advised that a Paralympic Route Network (PRN) will be in operation from today.

The PRN has been designed to minimise disruption to road users. The route covers the A31 and A35 into Dorset then carries along the A354 through Weymouth to the sailing venue at Osprey Quay .

Traffic regulation orders will apply along the Westwey Road – Portland Road corridor until Thursday, September 6, which means there can be no waiting, stopping or parking along the route.

Dorset County Council says so that residents and businesses can go about their usual businesses as best they can, certain exemptions will apply:

• Buses will be running as usual at their regular bus stops
• Taxis will be able to pick up and drop off along the route
• Where a no waiting zone applies, deliveries can have up to 20 minutes for a continuous load/unload
• On call doctors, nurses and midwives displaying the relevant identification in their cars can park along the route to carry out visits
• Royal Mail/couriers can carry out pick-up/drop-off service as usual along the route
• Vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge will be able to stop to drop-off/pick-up disabled passengers A map detailing the Paralympic Route Network can be found at dorsetforyou.com/sailing2012/residents-parking

HANNAH Stodel, 27, had the honour of lighting the Paralympic cauldron at Portland.

She was honoured to be chosen, but admitted feeling more nervous than competing on the Paralympic stage. She said: “I was more nervous doing that than I will be racing I reckon. It was really special, and really nice to be asked to do it.”