by political editor Paul Francis

County transport chiefs have voiced concerns that parts of Kent's road
and rail network will struggle to cope with the huge influx of visitors
during the Olympics.

As many as 250,000 more people will be in the county during the busiest
periods and there are fears Ebbsfleet station - an official transport
hub for the event - may be overloaded, with the surrounding roads,
including the A2 and Dartford Tunnel approaches, becoming congested.

There are also concerns about possible disruption caused by the number
of visitors arriving at Dover and through the Channel Tunnel.

Up to 17,000 are forecast to come into Kent daily through Dover and
Eurotunnel and Eurostar, with as many as 2,500 arriving and leaving at
peak times.

A report due to be discussed by county councillors today says road
and rail links around Ebbsfleet risk becoming "severely congested".

"The overall capacity of the highways network in the area and supporting
network within the county could be significantly compromised," it
states.

As many as 10,000 passengers are expected to use the Javelin services to
and from Ebbsfleet at peak times to get to the main Olympic stadium.

KCC says it is concerned there will be insufficient parking at Ebbsfleet
and reveals there are proposals for up to 2,300 passengers to be kept in
"holding areas" at the station's drop-off point to stop platforms becoming overcrowded.

It also suggests drivers unable to park at the station "may abuse the
parking restrictions currently in force in the area."

Around 3,500 spaces at Ebbsfleet will be allocated to Olympic travellers,
leaving 1,000 for normal High Speed One and Eurostar passengers.

County transport bosses say not all the places have been pre-booked as wasanticipated, complicating arrangements to manage the flow of arrivals.

The potential problems could extend to the Dartford Tunnel because of
the decison by Games organisers to designate special lanes for visitors
on the approach to the Blackwall tunnel and north of the crossing on the
A12 and A13.

Around 90% of people going to the Olympics are expected to use public
transport to travel to venues.