Island Olympic Torch Relay costs detailed

A Freedom of Information Act request seeking details of Isle of Wight council costs associated with the Olympic Torch Relay on the Island has been revealed today.

Juliet Ferguson had asked for “a breakdown of the costs such as extra pay for staff, extra cost of policing, road closures, branded bunting and other associated costs.”

In addition, she also asked whether any income had been earned from parking, selling advertising space etc on the route of the Torch Relay.

Breakdown of costs
The figures would appear reasonable to many. It’s worth noting that they do not cover the costs of Policing which Hampshire Constabulary are responsible for.

Item Cost
Traffic management (barriers, rolling road closures, etc) £7,505.75
Torch Relay community packs (for local areas including bunting, etc). Obtained through Locog £1,754.00
Security £1,173.00
Additional street and toilet cleaning £498.40
Park and Ride £420.00
Additional hi-vis jackets for stewards £330.00
Total £11,681.15

Income generated
The revenue from parking charges in the areas the Torch Relay visited (Yarmouth, Newport and East Cowes) didn’t seem to vary too much from the weekend before or weekend afterwards, falling in between the two

Saturday 7 July £5,017.55
Torch Relay – Saturday 14 July £4,885.45
Saturday 21 July £4,389.20

The council advised that thee was no income from advertising as the event was sponsor-protected by Locog.