Transportation authorities in Beijing said on Wednesday that they would apply traffic controls on 35 sections of road on Aug. 8 to ensure the Olympics opening ceremony is held smoothly and safely.

The ceremony starts at 8:00 PM on August 8 at the "Bird's Nest" National Stadium in the Olympic Central District in northern Beijing. At least 100,000 people including athletes, world leaders, Games officials and spectators are expected to take part.

The controls will apply at different times, starting as early as 11:30 a.m. in some spots but lasting only from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM in others.

Vehicles without Olympics permits and people who are not taking part in the ceremony will be subject to temporary controls on their movement.

During the control hours, parking will be prohibited along both sides of these road sections, including Anli Road, Beichen Road and Badaling Expressway, according to the announcement.

The city transportation authority also advised spectators not to drive their own cars to the opening ceremony, as there would be no parking for such vehicles.

(Xinhua News Agency July 30, 2008)