EO Exclusive: Beijing May Limit New License Plates to 150,000 Per Year

Economic Observer Online
Translated by Guo Wei
Original article: [Chinese]

A reporter from the EO has learned that new rules for improving Beijing traffic conditions are currently being formulated.

An insider with the Beijing Traffic Management Bureau said that a lottery mechanism for new license plates and vehicle purchase limits will be included in the new regulations, which may be implemented in January 2011.

The above source also stated that the final version of the rules to be implemented needs to be approved by the Beijing Municipal Government.

According to regulations, Beijing would limit the amount of new license plates handed out to 150 thousand every year through a lottery system. Residents who lack a Beijing hukou need to show their residence permits or tax certificates to prove that they have been living in Beijing for more than five years. In addition, the new regulations will include provisions regarding the entrance of vehicles from outside provinces entering the capital during rush hour.

This article was edited by Rose Scobie