Work is now underway on all permanent venues in the 2.5 sq km Olympic Park as well as bridges, roads and utilities networks. Enhanced access controls and other proportionate measures are being phased in to ensure the safety and security of local people and the 4,500-strong workforce, which is expected to double by the end of 2010.

ODA Chairman John Armitt said:  'As the big build accelerates we are phasing in robust plans to ensure the security and safety of both the Olympic Park workforce and the surrounding communities.

'Access controls utilising the latest technology will enable properly authorised, equipped and trained workers to enter and leave the Olympic Park as quickly and safely as possible.'

Tessa Jowell, Olympics Minister, said:  'The UK has years of experience in both tackling terrorism and hosting major sporting and cultural events. Ensuring the construction phase of the Games is safe and secure is a key part of our preparations for London 2012. We are using cutting edge technology to make sure that as activity on the site increases, the workforce and infrastructure continue to be protected without affecting progress.'

Security Minister Lord West said:  'The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games promise to be among the greatest sporting events in history. We are committed to delivering a safe and secure Games that is in keeping with the Olympic spirit and our planning for this is on track and on budget.

'The introduction of biometrics for onsite workers is one example of the way in which everyone involved in delivering this important event is working together to ensure its success.'

Olympic Park safety and security measures include:
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For further information please contact the Olympic Delivery Authority Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 700.

The construction of the venues and infrastructure of the London 2012 Games is funded by the National Lottery through the Olympic Lottery Distributor, The Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Mayor of London and the London Development Agency.

Find out the latest from London 2012 HQ on our blog.

For information about the Home Office’s work to deliver a safe and secure Games please contact the Home Office Press Office on 020 7035 3535.

The London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Safety and Security Strategy, which sets out how the Government will achieve its aim of a safe and secure Games, can be found at the Home Office website: www.homeoffice.gov.uk

• Since the start of construction a universal enrolment process including UK Border Agency representatives checking documentation to ensure workers on the site have the legal right to do so and valid health and safety accreditation.
• Hand scanners providing biometric access control, alongside photographic smart cards, for up to 5000 workers an hour at peak. Iris scanning and access is also available as an alternative system where required.
• A security guarding contractor employing and training local people to provide long term career opportunities.
• The replacement of the temporary hoardings with a more substantial perimeter fence that is substantially complete.
• On site searching and screening at entry and exit points as well as off site searching and screening of vehicle deliveries.
• Phased in coordinated CCTV and supporting perimeter security systems.
• A dedicated police team at the Olympic Park which is liaising with on-site staff and contractors as well as the local communities.

• During the enrolment process all workers have their hand scanned to enable access to the Olympic Park. This works by taking a 3-D digital photograph of the hand, rather than finger or palm print, which is linked to the individual’s photographic site pass. The unique size and shape of a hand is matched to the site pass to enable access. The data is encrypted, stored securely and only used for access to the site during the construction work, in accordance with the Data Protection Act. Iris scanning is used on the same basis where required.

• There has been a highly competitive procurement process for a host of ODA security packages which were set out initially in two packed industry days in early 2008.
• G4S Security Services has been appointed to provide security guarding for the Olympic Park construction site.
• Reliance High-Tech was appointed to provide access control systems to the Olympic Park construction site and is working with Human Recognition Systems to deliver biometric systems which they have installed on construction sites across the UK.
• Rapiscan Systems has been appointed to provide a range of screening equipment for pedestrian and vehicle entry and exit points on the Olympic Park construction site.
• Honeywell Control Systems has been appointed to design and install CCTV and other perimeter security systems for the Olympic Park construction site.