Beijing to run test four-day ban on autos

Source: CCTV.com | 08-17-2007 09:36

Beijing will ban the use of about 1.3 million cars for four days beginning on Friday. The test is to gauge the effects of the move on environmental quality. It's seen as a rehearsal for the 2008 Olympic Games.

During the four-day period, the city will allow cars with odd-numbered license plates and those with even-numbered ones on the streets on alternate days.

The move got support from local businesses on Thursday.

Huang Haoming, secretary Chinese Int'l Enterprise Co-op. Assn., said, "We should shoulder our individual responsibility. If everyone of us reduces one day of travelling by private car, we will contribute much to the city's air quality."

City transport authorities say the number of cars in the capital now exceeds three million. And it continues to grow at more than a thousand cars each day. The number is expected to reach 3.3 million by next August.

Du Shaozhong, vice head Beijing Envir. Protection Admin., "Preparations for the Games is not just the task of the government. It also requires mass participation of the general public. This ban on cars will help enhance public awareness of environmental protection."

The upcoming four-day trial demonstrates the government's determination to ensure clean air for next year's Olympics.

But merely reducing the number of cars on the road will not be enough.

Much more still needs to be done including shutting down polluting factories and planting more trees.

Editor:Du Xiaodan