Londoners will soon, I reckon, come to regret the Olympic scourge that is about to descend upon them:

“Motorists who dare to stray into VIP lanes reserved for athletes and officials at the 2012 London Olympics face penalties of up to £5,000 under special powers sanctioned by the government. As many as 55,000 members of the “Olympic family”, including ministers, media and corporate sponsors, will be able to sweep past other traffic in scenes reminiscent of Moscow’s politburo-only Zil lanes. The lanes, linking sports venues across the capital, are likely to operate between 6.30am and midnight. They will be policed by cameras and enforcement officers. Ordinary drivers will be herded into the remaining lanes, prompting fears of gridlock — and those who try to break out will be hit with severe penalties.”

Once a totalitarian spectacle, always a totalitarian spectacle.