Xinhua
Beijing, July 20 (Xinhua) China Sunday launched vehicle control regulations for the next two months in the capital aimed at easing traffic pressure and improving air quality during the Olympic Games. According to a short-term traffic rule effective till Sep 20, vehicles with even and odd plates will run on alternate days in the metropolis, which boasts 3.29 million vehicles.

Authorities said the restriction, along with an earlier ban on the use of vehicles which failed emission standards, would drive two million cars off the roads easing traffic flow and improving air quality during the Games.

With the restriction in place, an additional four million people are expected to travel in public transport system.

Car emissions have been considered as one of the major sources of air pollution in Beijing.

He Kebin, a professor of environmental science and engineering of Tsinghua University, said almost all major indicators of Beijing’s air quality had met the requirements of the Olympic Games except for those of the inhalable particulates.

“Vehicles contribute more than 50 percent of the pollution caused by the inhalable particulate, so the restriction of vehicle use is the most effective way to solve the problem,” said He.

Environment experts estimated that the vehicle-use restriction and the ban on the use of vehicles which failed to meet emission standards will cut pollutant emissions by 63 percent in Beijing.
Xinhua