Beijing is deliberating a plan that will allow employees in different sectors to go to work at different hours in the morning to relieve traffic pressure on the rush hours during the Olympics.

Zhou Zhengyu, deputy head of the Beijing Municipal Committee of Communications, said on Tuesday that personnel's new office hours would be arranged as per their industry, the Beijing News reported on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, some employees may also be asked to wrap up work earlier than normal to avoid jamming the roads during evenings.

The deputy director proposed certain companies and institutions give leave to their employees during the Olympics. He also suggested conducting businesses online and organizing video meetings.

He said Beijing will set aside special lanes for Olympic vehicles on major ring roads and highways, including the Chang'an Street.

Beijing has stipulated an even-odd license plate number system to control the amount of vehicles plying on city roads from July 20. Large trucks will be forced off the roads.

Beijing also calls on people to use public transport such as buses, the subway and taxis during the Olympics.

The moves are aimed at curbing traffic and reducing air pollution during the Olympics.

(CRIENGLISH.com July 2, 2008)