Odd-even ban takes effect in Beijing

An over 2-week long odd-even traffic ban is now in effect in Beijing.

Over the next 15 days, personal vehicles in the city will only be allowed on the roads during alternating days.

This coincides with the start of the IAAF World Athletics Championships, and will end after the massive parade to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II.

Zhou Zhengyu, head of Beijing's Transportation Commission, says steps have already been taken to make commuter's lives easier.

"Public transportation is being increased to satisfy the needs of the growing ridership on the bus and subway systems. Steps have already been taken to guarantee a sufficient supply of daily necessities."

Violators of the odd-even license plate restrictions will be subject to a 100 yuan fine and be hit with three points on their license.

The odd-even license plate restrictions were introduced head of the 2008 Olympics and last year's APEC meetings in Beijing.