The Minister for Transport visited Weymouth yesterday to see how the town is coping as an Olympic venue.

Justine Greening said everyone has done an ‘outstanding job’.

She said: “The volunteers and local people have shown all the tourists a warm welcome and Weymouth will be reaping the benefits for many years to come.”

The minister travelled on the train and went to see the Swannery car park before taking a tour of the sports arena on Weymouth beach.

She said: “The facilities are fantastic and it is particularly good for families.”

She admitted that closing roads in the area had caused some confusion. “Any time you change the road system it does take some time for drivers to get used to it.

“The legacy is how many people are choosing to get out on their bikes.

“If we can keep that up we can keep congestion off the roads.

“It is also a great chance to try out different ways of managing traffic in the town.”

The minister praised the work of the volunteer ambassadors.

“I am incredibly impressed with the volunteers.

“They have been amazing.

“They have really made the whole venue into what it is.”