Beijing Considers Permanent Odd-Even License Plate Restrictions

Beijing is considering permanently instituting odd-even license plate driving restrictions, after the success of the measure in partially reducing air pollution during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting earlier this month.

First introduced during the 2008 Olympics, drivers may only use their cars on days when their license plate, numbered odd or even, is designated. This cuts traffic in Beijing by about 40 percent, along with reducing resulting air pollution.

However, Beijing Deputy Mayor Li Shixiang said it was possible but not necessarily. Car owners, especially those who commute long distances to work, and who were able to obtain license plates in Beijing's highly-competitive lottery system, would be very unhappy about being off the road two to three days per week.

Currently, drivers may use their car every business day except one, as two license plate ending numbers are restricted per day. There are no restrictions on weekends.

Photo: blogs.ft.com