G20 to trigger wide disruption

Around Canary Wharf the level of disruption is not yet known but businesses and staff are being urged to take steps to minimise trouble.

The London Chamber of Commerce and Industry is has warned workers to consider coming to work in casual clothes, stagger departures and keep movements in and out of premises to a minimum.

Although encouraging city workers to take precautions the LCCI chief executive Colin Stanbridge said people should not be overly worried.

He said: "There will be concern from business over the two days of protest but the vast majority of firms will have robust security arrangements in place.

"Many firms will have had advice already on how to prepare for the protests and there will be a concerted effort in the days building up to the G20 to inform businesses as to what to expect."

Around Excel, DLR stations and roads will be closed and police are asking people to stay away from the exhibitions centre.

Disruptions include Custom House, Royal Victoria and Prince Regent DLR stations closing all day next Thursday.

Trains will pass through the three stations but passengers will not be able to alight.

Meanwhile the Connaught Bridge will be closed to all traffic.

The protests could also impact routes to work at Canary Wharf as people attempt to make their way over to the Excel.

Police and transport chiefs would not rule out further changes in arrangements in the coming days.

Risk management company Crisis Survivor is advising staff to stay at home if possible, or if not to plan strategies.

Head of risk management Bill May said: "I would suggest arranging for home work as appropriate, or take meetings away from the office.

"For those at work they need to have contingency plans for getting home."

Many campaign groups are looking to congregate around the exhibition centre on both April 1 and 2.

The police will be monitoring access to and from the Excel centre between Tuesday and Thursday, with security cordons in place.

Residents are being urged to carry two forms of ID, one of which is photographic.

Those not living and working by the site are also being urged to avoid the area during the daytime on April 2.

Supt Gary Butterfield, of Newham Police, said: "The steps we intend to take to preserve the security of the event are not taken lightly and we appreciate the significant implications this will have."

All police leave across London is cancelled for this period.

Meanwhile, according to The Daily Telegraph, which attended a protest meeting last weekend, activists are also targeting One Canada Square and the BT Tower in central London to coincide with Earth Hour this weekend.

Canary Wharf Group is backing Earth Hour on Saturday night, which will see lights across the world turned off for 60 minutes, but said it cannot ensure all its tenants abide.

One protester said: "If they don't turn them off, we will do it for them."

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