Chaos as Beijing subways become congested
Updated
A move by China to reduce traffic on the roads ahead of the Beijing Olympics has lead to chaos in the city's underground railway system.
Beijing has banned private cars from driving every second day, using an odds-and-evens number plate system, but it has caused a huge rush of extra passengers onto the subway.
The city's main loop line had to be temporarily closed when it became dangerously overcrowded.
Commuters were allowed out but not in.
Above ground the early introduction of traffic lanes for Olympic officials seems to have negated the benefits of banning cars when it comes to reducing congestion.
Many areas of the city went back to their normal gridlock last night - with virtually unused Olympic traffic lanes sitting next to frozen traffic.
