Hangzhou invited criticism

Hangzhou, capital of Zhejiang province, announced on Tuesday night that it would restrict the number of vehicles registered every year, and the new license plates would be issued via a lottery starting from Wednesday.

Rumors had it that the city would tighten car ownership to ease traffic congestion and combat air pollution, but the local authorities had more than once dismissed the rumors, saying those were actually a gimmick used to stimulate buying.

However, the formal announcement which has substantiated them, is clear evidence as to how the government's flip-flopping on an issue can undermine its credibility, says a commentary in Beijing News.