Beijing, rapidly becoming one of the most congested cities, took 300,000 high-emission cars off its roads last week, as part of measures to clean up the capital's air pollution and ease traffic on the clogged highways.

The organizers also announced that private cars will be banned on alternate days from July 20, depending on whether their number plates end in odd or even numbers. Half of the government vehicles will be taken off the roads as well.

The traffic-easing measures were augmented by a raft of factory closures and a ban on major construction to take effect for two months from July 20 to improve air quality.

With the IOC officials repeatedly voicing their confidence in the competition's quality, the doping control is already given priority, according to IOC chief Rogge.

Over 4,500 tests will be administered, 25 percent more than the number of the 2004 Games in Athens and 90 percent over Sydney in 2000.

During the period of July 27 through August 28, the world Olympic body, in cooperation with the World Anti-Doping Agency and the Beijing organizers, will test competitors any time and at any place.

"We are at the forefront of the effort to eradicate doping," said Rogge last week. "We owe it to these athletes - who train so hard - to ensure the Games are as free of prohibited drugs as possible."

(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2008)