The CPPCC's Beijing Municipal Committee has officially agreed on a new proposal to help improve air quality in the capital, the Beijing Times reported today. The plan contains 19 points, which include restricting use of vehicles on certain days depending on their registration plate number, prohibiting old high-emission vehicles from being driven in certain regions and collecting emissions tax. It will be forwarded to the municipal government for future reference.
The plan urges the city to accelerate development of railroad and metro infrastructure, as well as further optimize public transport. Increased purchases and use of new energy vehicles are encouraged. It also pushes for the city to implement stricter standards for automobile emissions. Official sources claim the plan will greatly help the removal of antiquated high-emission vehicles from Beijing's roads. Old cargo trucks and vans from surrounding villages will be monitored especially closely. Bicycle paths will also be restored with the goal of increasing bike usage in the city.
The plan also includes emission standards for various industries, which will be supplied to the relevant government departments for reference. If an industry is found to have exceeded these standards, said departments will be held responsible. Emissions reductions will help improve the overall state of the environment, officials believe.
