Beijing's policy makers are imposing new limits on cars to curb rising pollution.
Smog in the city Image: gmoorenator |
Already infamous for dense traffic and stifling pollution, Beijing has announced it will limit new car sales quota by almost 40% in 2014, according to the city government website.
In addition to reducing the supply of licenese plates to 150,000 from 240,000, the municipal government will also reserve a greater number of those available for EV and hybrid buyers.
Sales during the 2014-17 period will be capped at just 600,000 - fewer than total sales in 2010 alone.
Pollution has all but suffocated the northeastern city of Harbin's 11m inhabitants, who have faced a number of health problems as a result.
Beijing has also seen tourism drop by almost 50% from 2012 levels, as holiday makers attempt to avoid the smog. According to the Beijing Municipal Commission of Tourism Development, tourists visiting the city fell by 14.3% year-on-year to 2.14m, a trend which could continue if the pollution persists.