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The plan calls for motorists to drive only on alternate days, depending on whether the last number of their license plate is even or odd, officials said.

The policy will be enforced from July 20 through Sept. 20, a period that includes both the Olympic and Paralympic Games, The New York Times reported.

Additionally, operating hours for public transportation will be extended during the two-month period.

"We hope to see a bluer sky", said Zhou Zhengyu, a spokesman for the city's traffic committee.

He added that 70 percent of the estimated 300,000 cars registered to the government will be taken off the roads starting later this month.

Du Shaozhong, a spokesman for the city's environmental protection agency, said 45 percent fewer vehicles on the road, the highly polluting vehicles banned, and other measures reducing pollution from gas stations and chemical plants, air pollution will be reduced by an estimated 63 percent.

"We are confident we have the ability to ensure good air quality for the Olympic Games", he said.

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