Beijing traffic authorities on Friday implemented new traffic controls on many major avenues to ensure transport operated smoothly as the Olympics opening ceremony approached.

All vehicles not related to the Games would be banned later in the day from most of the Second Ring Road, the north side of the Fourth Ring Road and streets adjacent to the National Stadium, also known as the Bird's Nest.

The controls would take effect at different times, although these were not specified, and would last until participants and audience members had dispersed after the ceremony.

Ticket holders could get to the stadium by subway, regular buses and the Olympic special bus services.

Couples wanting to register marriages or hold wedding ceremonies should plan their routes to avoid the controls, said an official with the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau.

Beijing Public Transport company issued souvenir tickets, with images of the "Bird's Nest" and the "Water Cube", on its buses on Friday.

(Xinhua News Agency August 8, 2008)