During the 2008 Olympic Games, Beijing residents are likely to enjoy special holidays and free public transportation service, Beijing vice-mayor Ji Lin said.

The Olympic lawmaking supervision group began operations Monday, listing the first items that need further regulation by the departments concerned, according to Beijing-based The First Newspaper.

Ji said the city is considering extra holidays for local residents during the Games in an effort to ease the traffic pressure and to ensure a smooth operation of the Games.

Some cities that hosted Olympic Games implemented such measures, which were proven effective.

The vice mayor said the enactment of Olympic regulations would be managed by the group. "The regulations are more of a collection of all related rules rather than a formal statute book," he said.

More than 70 items needing revision were listed, concerning traffic, public security, sanitation and environmental protection that will play important roles in the success of the Games.

Ji said the legislation will focus on how to improve the city's management and that temporary traffic control would be carried out if necessary.

"Protests and demonstrations are likely to be partly limited by the city of Beijing due to public security concerns," Ji said.

Ji said if the short-term regulations intended for the Games turned out well, they may be considered for long-term implementation to improve Beijing city administration.

"Beijing will make efforts to make every athlete and official, at home and abroad aware of what they can and can't do when they come to Beijing," Ji said.

"If there are any problems, the regulations call for officers to strictly enforce the law," Ji said.