PLANS to evacuate London in the event of a major terrorist attack are being reviewed this week as emergency planners meet with professionals from other agencies across Oxfordshire.
On Wednesday, September 21, Operation Sassoon, which is constantly under review, will be put under the microscope.
The document outlines the evacuation from London, mainly by rail, to train stations throughout southern England with local authorities managing the arrival of evacuees and their repatriation to their home areas. The latest request from central government is to look at evacuation by road as well.
County Councillor Ray Jelf, Cabinet Member for Community Safety, said:”This type of planning and training is very relevant after the recent events in the capital and it is a useful vehicle for the very good multi-agency emergency planning work in Oxfordshire and the Thames Valley.
“The cost of signage on the route into and out of London will be a cause for concern and I would expect such costs to be picked up by central Government.”
John Kelly, the Emergency Planning Officer at Oxfordshire County Council said: “We have plans for our work in Oxfordshire as part of the Thames Valley plan and we have put in place an extra transport contract to deal with the expected demand – some 50,000 evacuees in 12 hours.
“However, our advice to the London planners is to base any plan on a “stay put” policy. I am glad that such a policy was activated during the recent London bombings.”
NOTE: It is understood that Thame & Haddenham Parkway station is not featured in the plan currently.
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