BEIJING -- The Beijing Municipal Government will soon issue an emergency response program requiring alternate driving days for cars with even- and odd-numbered license plates in case of lingering smog, Xinhua has learnt.

When the city issues a red alert for air pollution, an alternate-day driving system for odd- and even-numbered license plates will be initiated to reduce pollution, according to the Beijing Municipal Heavy Air Pollution Emergency Response Program.

The program was passed on Wednesday at the meeting of the Standing Committee of the Beijing Municipal Committee of the Communist Party of China, and will soon be released to the public by the Beijing Municipal Government.

According to the program, the city will adopt a four-tier color alert system for air pollution. The red alert, the highest level, indicates serious air pollution for three consecutive days.