THOSE PARTS of the rail system which will come under the greatest pressure during the Olympics have been named today, using a special website. Their normal users are being advised to change the way they travel, or if all else fails simply go on holiday.

Up to three million additional journeys are expected to be made in London alone on the busiest days of the Games. 

For the first time detailed ‘hotspot’ information based on the operational plans of ATOC, Network Rail, train operating companies and TfL has been published. Detailed station descriptions have also been produced, showing the predicted patterns of use on key days at half-hourly intervals.

Transport for London warned that the Docklands Light Railway, Central and Jubilee Lines will be exceptionally busy in particular. 

TfL has tried to modify the demand by encouraging regular users to change their places or times of work, work longer but fewer days or choose alternative forms of transport, including walking and cycling. TfL is also pointing out that commuters can always get away from it all by taking annual leave. 

For those who will have no choice, the key hotspots will include Bank, Earl's Court, London Bridge, London Waterloo and Mile End. The usually placid platforms at Weymouth in Dorset might also be worth avoiding, because Weymouth Bay and Portland Harbour will be used for sailing competitions. TfL said Weymouth would be experiencing its peak demand from 29 July to 11 August, particularly during the three hours before events begin and up to two hours after they end.

Many regular London commuters have already paid attention to the warnings. TfL said almost 500 major businesses employing more than 600,000 people had signed up for specific travel advice and have drafted travel plans, which they have shared with TfL.

The transport secretary Justine Greening revealed that Government staff are among those who are being urged to work more flexibly this summer. She said: "London and the UK's transport networks have had a real boost ahead of the Games, with a £6.5 billion investment in projects across the capital effectively delivering an early Games legacy for the British travelling public. However, we know there will be times where unprecedented numbers of people will be travelling through certain hotspots this summer. 

“I encourage businesses and individuals to plan how they are going to travel."

London transport commissioner Peter Hendy warned that London will 'operate very differently' while the Olympics are being held. He added: “As the competition and events programme moves around, we need to manage demand."

Even the number of official guests will present a challenge to organisers. Some 15,000 athletes and 7,000 officials are expected to travel, although they will benefit from special 'Olympic' traffic lanes. Everyone else must use public transport.

LOCOG chair Sebastian Coe said: "The ‘hotspot’ data published today provides employers and individuals with the full picture of when and where our Tube and railway lines and stations will be busy, as well as advice on alternatives. As the success of the Games depends on all of us doing our bit to keep London and the UK moving, I’d like to urge everyone to plan now."