Countdown Beijing-- Security Squeezing Olympic City

Hong Kong police participate in an anti-terror drill at the Games equestrian venue. (Getty Images) Olympic Traffic Plans Begin Sunday

The implementation of the even-odd license plate driving scheme and the opening of new subways will take place Sunday, part of a drive to decrease traffic and pollution.

On alternating days, motorists with even or odd plate numbers will be banned from the road. Until Sept. 20 when the restrictions are lifted, Beijingers will be taking public transportation, car pooling or biking to work, which starts at 9:30, an hour later than usual.

In conjunction with cars being pulled off the road, three new subways will open, and officials say they will serve up to 850,000 people a day during the Olympics. The subways took seven years to complete and cost more than $3 billion.

Security Slows Beijing

Life in Beijing means delays, losses and new regulations as security measures for the Games enter their severest phase.

No planes will arrive at or depart from the Beijing airport during the Olympic opening ceremony on Aug. 8, according to state media. The restriction is similar to flight bans put in place during ceremonies in recent Olympics.

Some of the Beijing Capital Airport and Nanyuan airport flights have been rescheduled, but others have been cancelled. Models show off the women's uniforms for Beijing victory ceremonies. The costumes come in white, green, pink and blue. Men will wear white Nehru jackets. (Getty Images)

Fear of attacks by Muslim Uighur separatists from the Xinjiang region, or even embarrassing protests by Tibet partisans, domestic petitioners or other opponents is driving the remarkable security preparations.

Police in Kashgar, a city in the Xinjiang region, say they have dismantled 12 terrorist movements this year, according to a state media report. The head of the public security bureau in Urumqi, Xinjiang, says his officers have destroyed 41 Islamic militant training bases this year.

Even the moderate Hong Kong police claim to have arrested some 1600 gang members and other criminals in a crackdown this year against the distribution of illegal drugs.

A new anti-terror handbook will explain how Beijing residents can help keep the city safe during the Games, according to a state media report.

"When you notice something suspicious, you need to check it first, then listen, then smell, but try to avoid touching," reads one of the suggestions.

However, critics contend the crackdown is a government ploy to prevent any protests from marring China’s image during the Olympics, citing heavy-handed tactics in minor cases of dissent.

The Chinese Ministry of Culture banned overseas entertainers who threaten Chinese unity.

"Art performance groups and individuals that have attended activities that violate the country's sovereignty must not be let in under any circumstance," the statement said. IOC President Jacques Rogge checks out his bed in the Salt Lake City Olympic Village from 2002. (ATR)

IOC President in the Olympic Village

IOC President Jacques Rogge says he will stay in the Olympic Village during the Beijing Olympics. An Olympian and team leader for a number of years for Belgium, Rogge has said he feels at home staying in the village. He began the practice at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City.

Beijing Briefs…

Games organizers say they are ready to support media operations, and list the technical preparations in place. Backup data-transfer lines are in place and all competition venues plus press centers have backup power generators, said members of the BOCOG technology department staff during a July 17 update.

Games sponsor Volkeswagen hands over the 5,000 keys to the vehicles that will carry Games athletes, officials and VIPs. For IOC president Jacque Rogge, a Volkeswagen Multivan is on call. International Paralympic Committee president Philip Craven gets an Audi. The 32 official posters of the Olympics and Paralympics have been selected from 930 entries, 16 images for each of the Games. The posters will sell for about $1.40 at authorized outlets from July 20. (Getty Images)

Media Watch…

China’s pollution elimination plan is forward-thinking but futile, according to Wired.

Former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue commends Beijing’s Olympic preparation.

Written by Maggie Lee For general comments or questions, click here Click here to see the latest Around the Rings Olympic Bid Power Index -- the only authoritative ranking of the 2016 bid cities.