Beijing to withdraw restrictions on pvt vehicles

BEIJING: The controversial even-odd licence plate system, that forced private vehicles off Beijing's roads to ensure congestion-free traffic during the Olympics, will be withdrawn from August 28, it was announced here on Monday.
    
The regulation, in use since July 20, is to be withdrawn from August 28 for most areas outside the fifth Ring Road in Beijing.
    
The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau said that the restriction would still apply on sections of three expressways beyond the fifth Ring Road --  the Airport Expressway, the Badaling Expressway and the Beijing-Chengde Expressway.
    
The Bureau also said by August 28 all Olympics-dedicated lanes would be open for all vehicles.
    
The city authorities said the restrictions, along with an earlier ban on the use of vehicles which failed emission standards, drove about two-thirds of Beijing's 3.29 million cars off the road and contributed to shorter travel times and less pollution in the city during the August 8-24 Olympics.
    
Though some car owners expressed resentment over the move, most Beijingers backed the government move to ensure that the 2008 Beijing Olympics be regarded as the best Olympics-ever.