By Nie Ligao (Chinadaily.com.cn)
Updated: 2007-11-19 17:30

Chinese drivers may have to pay an emission tax by 2010 as the government is beefing up its efforts to curb pollution, a news report said on Monday.

That plan was revealed by Yang Chaofei, head of the policy department under the State Environmental Protection Administration (SEPA) at a forum on sustainable development in the engery sector during the weekend.

The Ministry of Finance, State Administration of Taxation and  SEPA have started related studies, Yang was cited by China Economic Net as saying.

"Vehicles' exhaust consists of carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and other pollutants, therefore the owners should pay a tax for the emssion," said Yang.

The tax might be collected when the driver adds fuel at a gas station, he noted.

It is possible that the policy will be implemented before the end of the 11th five-year plan period, which started in 2006, according to Yang.