Eugenia Wickens

Residents' Perceptions of Environmental and Security Issues at the 2012 London Olympic Games

Staging a mega sport event such as the Olympic Games has been traditionally viewed as a ‘golden’ opportunity for urban regeneration and economic development. Research into residents perceptions of environmental impacts and security risks at Olympic Games is limited. This paper discusses residents perceptions of environmental and security issues associated with the London 2012 Olympic Games. The study used a purposive sample of local residents (nu2009=u2009100) of which 50% were in the age range of 18–34 years (Group A) and 50% were 35–55 years or over (Group B). Forty-two per cent of Group A and 28% of Group B lived in London. Data were collected through self-administered questionnaires. Findings showed that the majority of respondents in both groups overwhelmingly supported the 2012 Games and were filled with a sense of national pride and excitement for London being the host city. However, findings also demonstrated differences between the age groups in their perceptions of the environmental impacts of the 2012 Games. Group B expressed consistently more negative attitudes compared with Group A with regards to pollution, traffic congestion and parking availability. Both groups were equally concerned about the inadequacies of the transport system. Group B respondents also perceived increased security risks during the Games that could negatively affect attendance at the Games. Both groups showed a lack of confidence that security would be ensured at the Games. These findings contradict planned environmental and security initiatives that are currently underway and indicate that 2012 stakeholders need to improve communication and public consultation to raise public awareness and instil confidence.