Asian Games: Guangzhou enforces traffic rules for Games

GUANGZHOU has set the time period for odd-even traffic restrictions during the Asian Games and Paralympic Games and will tighten up airport security as the sports showpiece draws closer.

Vehicles with odd and even number car plates will be allowed on the road on alternative days in the capital of south China's Guangdong Province, from 7am to 8pm during the Asian Games from November 1-29 and Asian Paralympic Games from December 5-21, Information Times reported yesterday.

All vehicles, except those serving the games, will be banned on designated lanes from 6am to 10pm during the period of the games - trucks and vans will also be restricted in some areas.

Both Guangzhou residents and visiting travelers can enjoy free public transport over 30 days during the period. Public transport includes buses, the metro and ferry services. Taxies, airport express trains and buses to suburban areas are not covered.

The time period of the odd-even traffic restrictions, which will largely ease traffic congestion, was decided after two rounds of citywide tests.

The first round of tests, which started from 7am to 10pm, saw traffic volume and congestion drop significantly. But local residents complained the time period was too long.

The second round adjusted the time period from 8am to 8pm, resulting in severe traffic jams before 8am.

Starting from October 26, people leaving Guangzhou's Baiyun International Airport will face two rounds of security checks.

Anyone entering the °?airport terminal, including crew members and staff members, will be required to go through the first round of security checks. The second round will be for passengers just prior to boarding.

Also from October 26, special traffic restrictions will be implemented at the airport. From 10pm to 6am the next day, private cars and taxis can only park or drop off passengers in designated areas.