The even-odd license plate system to keep vehicles off Beijing's roads, in use since July 20, is to be withdrawn from August 28 for most areas outside the fifth Ring Road.

The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau said on Monday that the restriction would still apply on sections of three expressways beyond the fifth Ring Road -  the Airport Expressway, the Badaling Expressway and the Beijing-Chengde Expressway.

The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau also said by August 28 all Olympics-dedicated lanes would be open for all vehicles.

The city authorities said the restrictions, along with an earlier ban on the use of vehicles which failed emission standards, drove about two-thirds of Beijing's 3.29 million cars off the road and contributed to shorter travel times and less pollution in the city during the Olympic Games.