Car Registration Restrictions Continue In Beijing

While the Olympics went on in Beijing, traffic restrictions inevitably had to be adopted as the country's capital (one of the Four Great Ancient Capitals of China) became jam-packed and roads became congested with excited visitors of the world-wide spectacle. During August's sporting extravaganza, drivers had to take it in turns to gain access to the city, with motorists being denied access into Beijing on certain days, depending on their number plates sequence.

I thought that this would all die down as the Games concluded but I have just come across the news that Beijing is still experiencing problems. Perhaps all the concern over the pollution of the city in the run-up to the Olympics is the reason for the continued traffic restrictions.

In order to cut grid-lock and improve air quality, one of the trial restrictions, which will initially occur for a trial period only (from October 11th of this year to April 10th '09), car owners will be limited to six driving days per week within the city's five ring roads, depending on the last number of their car registrations. There will be some compensation given though - motorists will be exempted from one month's road maintenance fees and vehicle tax. So it's not all bad!

I do think that it makes more sense to introduce a congestion charge though, rather than completely deny access. I know plenty of people who don't bother visiting London due to congestion charges, including myself. (Why visit the London Eye when you can find perfectly decent images of it on the internet? Why visit your relatives in the Capital when you can send them an email from the comfort of your own sofa?) I'm sure the city of Beijing would find this scheme would work well for them too.

If the number plates-themed scheme works well though, citizens of Beijing may find the '6-days-a-week only' access to motorists will be made permanent.

Right, that's all for today. See you all soon!