Guangzhou has fewer cars on the streets now as traffic restrictions come into effect in an attempt to turn the polluted and crowded southern metropolis into a greener venue for the Asian Games.
Under the even-odd license plate rule introduced by the city's Environmental Protection Bureau, odd and even numbered vehicles alternate days when they are allowed on the road.
"The traffic is so much better and there are fewer cars on the road today," said a civil servant surnamed Li, who takes the bus to work everyday.
During the Asian Games, more than 14,000 athletes and officials, and tens of thousands of visitors from different countries and regions, are expected to squeeze into the city's already over-crowded public transport network.
Under the new restrictions, cars are banned from roads from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. on alternate days based upon the last digit of the license plate. Only public transportation and supporting vehicles for the games are exempt.
By enforcing the restrictions, municipal officials hope to remove 871,000 vehicles from the city's roads, accounting for 64.5 percent of the city's total, said Ding Hongdu, director of Guangzhou's Environmental Protection Bureau.
Additionally, fines of up to 200 RMB will be levied for vehicles violating the rules and over 500 surveillance devices have been installed across the city to catch violators.
Vice Director of Guangzhou Environmental Protection Bureau Li Xin said, "The city had tried the restriction in July and September, and air quality at that time was tested and found to be much better than usual."
During the 46-day traffic restriction, Guangzhou is offering free public transportation during the 30 workdays. Also, more than 1,000 buses have been added for public transportation.
"It's great to have free buses. I will take the bus to travel around the city with friends," said Huang Yong, 55. "I think the measures will encourage more people to take buses and trains instead of private cars, which will contribute to a better environment."
Further, the local government of Guangzhou has introduced multiple air-quality improvement measures, ranging from closing down factories to banning roadside barbecues.
"Since 2004, Guangzhou has closed, shut down or moved 147 industrial enterprises to reduce pollution and 42,000 restaurants were inspected," said Li Zhuo, an official with the Guangzhou Environmental Protection Bureau. "Currently, the use of clean energy accounts for 97.6 percent of the total in the catering industry," added Li.
A similar traffic restriction took about 45 percent of Beijing's then 3.29 million cars off the roads and resulted in shorter travel times and less pollution during the Olympic Games in 2008.
Similarly, Shanghai imposed quotas on car ownership in 1986, according to which license plates are issued on a quota basis and are auctioned for an average of 40,000 yuan, half the price of a Volkswagen Jetta sedan.
