OPINION> Commentary
An exemplary move
(China Daily)
Updated: 2008-09-16 07:36

The Beijing municipal government's decision to have cars off the road one day a week is a step in the right direction.

Public and state agencies will use their cars four business days a week according to license plate number. That means that 20 percent of these vehicles will be off the road on a given day.

The benefits brought by the current restrictions of driving on alternate days - which end on September 20 - are the basis for this new decision.

The impact of reducing auto emissions is obvious, as Beijing is enjoying the clearest skies and cleanest air in years.

No wonder a very high percentage of residents want to keep the restrictions.

The government must lead the way if individual residents are called upon to cut back on the use of their cars.

Two years ago, Beijing took 400,000 government vehicles off the road. That contributed to smoother traffic flow in the city. It became apparent during the current alternate days restriction that the further reduction of government vehicles did not affect normal government operations at all.

This latest announcement is another step and a good start, but more needs to be done.

There should be a cap set on the number of vehicles owned and purchased by government agencies and public institutions so that they cannot replace the vehicles taken off the road.

There should also be a limit on mileage.

Besides setting the pace in taking some of its vehicles off the road, the government must ensure a good public transportation system and public outreach so that residents are encouraged to use a bus or metro ticket rather than their car keys.

(China Daily 09/16/2008 page8)