Tracking system to ease chronic gridlock

Scientists are working on a system that will track the movements of Beijing residents throughout the day to help prevent gridlock on the capital's roads.

The so-called "dynamic travel information platform", which is being developed by the Beijing Science and Technology Committee, will follow 1.7 million cell phone users with real-time data provided by China Mobile.

According to a brief introduction to the project on the committee's website, the system will display exactly when and where traffic is heaviest at any given time, potentially allowing motorists and commuters to avoid congestion hot spots.