XIAMEN, Fujian - Xiamen resident Zheng caught a bus an hour earlier than usual on Tuesday, thinking that due to traffic restrictions, the journey would take longer.

His car was banned for the day because of the restrictions, which city authorities have imposed from Sept 6 to 9, to cope with increased traffic during annual China International Fair for Investment & Trade (CIFIT).

Under the restrictions, private vehicles with even- and odd-numbered license plates would be allowed only on alternate days.