Tuesday, September 19 2006 11:59 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Beijing: Private cars during the Beijing 2008 Olympic Games will neither have the luxury of parking space nor can they appear in the vicinity of the venues.

The decision is taken in order to avoid traffic congestion, says Li Xiaopeng, deputy head of the Beijing Municipal Communication Committee.

According to local traffic control authorities, free buses will be arranged for spectators, staff and volunteers working at the venues.

More than seven million tickets will be available for the different events and venues throughout the games period, and the number of staff and volunteers will total 180,000.

Says Yu Chunquan, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Traffic Management Bureau, "Highway lanes totalling 210 kms would be closed to public traffic and dedicated to buses shuttling between games venues, so as to guarantee that government officials, athletes and referees arrive at their destinations on time."

Free buses will also be arranged for journalists covering Olympic games events, Yu says.

Beijing has 2.7 million motor vehicles and the number is expected to reach three million by 2008.

The city has 1.54 million privately owned cars by the end of last year.

Traffic flow has been considered a major factor in ensuring the Olympic Games run smoothly in 2008.

Local traffic authorities are considering urging people to ride bicycles or walk to cut traffic jams during the games period.

Some people have suggested raising parking fees to discourage car use.