Thousands of athletes and sporting officials will start arriving in London ahead of the Olympics today.

The first of the Games Lanes also come into operation on the recently repaired and reopened M4, work that was finished just in time.

The roads, particularly the motorway, are expected to be extra busy.

Some athletes will move into the Olympic Village later, where they will live throughout the competition.

Team GB athletes competing in diving, equestrian, football, shooting and swimming are expected to be the first to enter.

Other non-competing Olympic officials are also arriving in London. Hotel room rates in the city have shot by 69 per cent duing the Olympic period, according to a survey.