New traffic restriction takes effect in Beijing

A new traffic restriction went into effect in Beijing on Saturday. The number-plate-based rule is expected to help sustain the improved traffic and air quality during the Olympic Games.

Under the restriction, vehicles will be banned from the roads one out of the five weekdays based on the last digit of their number plate. The ban applies within the Fifth Ring Road from 6am to 9pm for privately-owned cars, and round the clock for government and corporate vehicles. 800,000 cars are expected to be taken off the road everyday.

The new rule will be implemented on a trial basis for six months until April next year. It does not apply to police cars, ambulances, fire engines, buses, taxis and other public service vehicles.

During the first week, traffic police will only issue oral warnings to violators but not fine them. Later violators will receive fines of 100 yuan or nearly 15 US dollars.