This cartoon by Mac from The Daily Mail blends two news stories: the opening of the first of the Olympic Games Lanes on the M4 motorway, and the heavy rain which has been causing floods across Britain, provoking fears that London could be the wettest Olympics ever.
THE CARTOON
It's pouring with rain, and a line of cars are stuck in a traffic jam on the flooded motorway. In the Olympic Lane, which is free of cars, we can see six legs sticking out of the water. One of the stranded motorists comments to his wife: "Hello. The women's synchronised swimming team has arrived".
BACKGROUND
The M4 lane, linking Heathrow to the heart of London, has been reserved for members of the "Olympic Family" - competitors, officials and sponsors. Ordinary motorists - and cyclists - who use the lane face a £130 fine. There will be 30 miles (50km) of Games Lanes in London, which will form part of the Olympic Route Network (ORN), most of which will come into effect from 25 July - two days before the opening ceremony. The Games Lanes will be clearly marked and will operate alongside existing traffic, but all road users will be able to go into the lanes when they are not in use overnight.
VOCABULARY
Hello is usually used as a greeting when you meet someone, but it can also be used to express surprise. • Hello. What's this in my soup?
ALSO SEE
• Olympic 'Games Lanes' opens on M4 as athletes arrive - video (BBC News)
• Andy Davey cartoon (The Sun)
• London 2012: M4 Olympic Games Lanes come into operation (BBC News)
• The road to nowhere: The most ridiculous example yet of how Olympics lanes are making a farce of driving in London (Mail Online)
