With the Olympics' opening ceremony just slightly more than two weeks away, Beijing has started its hardcore plan to cut pollution and improve air quality as much as possible.

Several factories have been closed and cars are now restricted on the city's roads. If you want proof of just how dramatic the change is, watch the video report below to see how different the roads look with a fraction of the usual number of cars on them. However it's not the roads that need to show significant progress, it's the layer of smog that constantly hovers over the city. Athletes have expressed concern about their ability to perform in the conditions and many have chosen to arrive in Beijing as close to their events as possible, training in nearby countries instead. However it's not just athletes concerned with the air; even local residents are expressing gratitude for the relief, even if it is only temporary.

"Its great -- today there are far fewer cars on the road and the air quality is so nice. This is good for the children," said 20-year old Wang Yanna, out for a weekend stroll with her toddler nephew near a busy intersection.

Olympic organizers have said they will postpone certain events if the air quality on a given day is not deemed suitable for competition.

What do you think? Will Beijing managed to adequately clear the air enough in time for the Games or do you foresee many postponed events?

» Reuters Environment