Costly view from bridge

China opened the world's longest cross-sea bridge last week to cut travel time between two major ports, but hundreds of drivers have already been fined for driving too slowly to enjoy the view.

The 36-km bridge spans Hangzhou Bay, and cuts travel time between the port city of Ningbo and the financial hub of Shanghai from four hours to two-and-a-half.

But since its opening on May 1, police have fined more than 300 drivers, most for driving too slowly or illegal parking on emergency lanes to enjoy the view and take photos.

(China Daily 05/07/2008 page5)