Olympic Games Lanes Confuse Motorists As Traffic Piles Up On M40 (PICTURES)

PHOTOS: Olympic Lanes Cause Traffic Chaos

The first specially designed 'Games Lanes' came into operation on the M4 on Monday, aimed to relieve traffic as the athletes and their entourages arrived at Heathrow airport.

But as these pictures show, confusion over the ring-stamped lanes in greater London didn't bode well for the millions due to descend on the capital over the next month.

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People were avoiding the lanes on the M40 to avoid the £130 fines, however the lane does not come into force until 25 July

Around 335 Olympians and their entourages passed through Heathrow airport on Monday, meaning the airport had a record number of passengers pass through its doors. The first Olympic lanes came into operation at 5am on the M4.

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On the case: Extra staff have been drafted in to deal with the Olympic baggage

Around 80% of "Games Family" arrivals are expected to travel on the M4 after leaving the airport.

Earlier Olympic gold medalist Kerron Clement has become one of the first high-profile athletes to bemoan their first impression of London after his bus was "lost on the road for four hours" whilst attempting to locate the Olympic Village.

However these shots were taken on the M40 in west London after motorists avoided the olympic provision, despite the special lanes not coming into operation until 25 July.

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Olympians on board? Or just a risk taker?

Then, however tempting it might be to whizz down those ringed freeways, straying in the Games Lanes whilst not on olympic business is to be avoided.

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Some just decided they couldn't take the traffic anymore and drove in the lanes

Those who roam into operational Games Lanes face a penalty charge of £130, while illegally parked vehicles will be removed to a pound and may incur a release fee of £200.

As Londoners grimace at the prospect of increased crowds, congestion and clogged highways, it seems sights like the above are only the beginning: the busiest day for arriving athletes is expected to be July 24, when 1,262 athletes and coaches and 3,008 other Olympics-related arrivals are predicted.

Buckle up.