The city’s hot topics(2)

5. Compulsory car park spaces

To ease the city's burgeoning traffic congestion some CPPCC members suggested the transport authorities look at a plan involving people having to buy a city parking space before they can buy a car.

The proposal suggested people would have to show proof that they owned a parking space before they could take part in the monthly car number plate auctions.

Political advisors said this could also serve to help curb the number of vehicles on the road.

The government said the proposal was a good idea but was not feasible at present. The city is working to complete a full database of parking resources in Shanghai.

6. Yao Ming leaps into politics

The towering idol Yao Ming, who is already the boss of the Shanghai Sharks, a student at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, the vice-chairman of the Shanghai Association of Public Diplomacy and an ambassador for the Shanghai Charity Fund, was appointed a member of the Shanghai Committee of the CPPCC this year.

The recently retired basketball star stood out among the CPPCC members at this year's meetings.

Although yet to submit a proposal he said he was taking it very seriously and would focus on sports and education.

It's not uncommon for sports stars to become legislative advisors. Olympic gold medal hurdler Liu Xiang is also a CPPCC member.

7. A new port for Shanghai

Alongside with the municipal government's strategy to turn Shanghai into a world shipping center, political advisors presented the sessions with possible locations for Shanghai's new port.

Shanghai's current port is nearing its designed upper limits and a new site has become a matter of urgency.

Hengsha Island, between Chongming Island and the mainland of Shanghai, is thought to be one of the prime candidates for the new port.

8. Suzhou Creek redevelopment

Some 100 SPC delegates urged the Shanghai municipal government to hasten the redevelopment of the northern area of Suzhou Creek which covers Zhabei, Yangpu, Hongkou and Putuo districts.

Compared to other parts of Shanghai this area is not served well for public transport, housing and community services although it covers 28 percent of the downtown area and has a population of 3.7 million.

Mayor Han Zheng said this year the government plans to revamp between 600,000 and 700,000 square meters of the area involving 30,000 households. The plans will include transportation improvements and better sporting and cultural facilities.

9. School bus safety

After several serious school bus accidents in other parts of the country, Shanghai CPPCC members urged the government to pay closer attention to safety issues on city buses.

It was also proposed that a school bus system be introduced for Shanghai and promoted to help reduce the use of private cars transporting children to and from school which congest school streets and is a danger to other students.

"With increased spending on education, the Shanghai government should be able to afford a proper school bus service which will be a good thing for schools, students and their families," the proposal said.

10. The Great World Entertainment Center

Some CPPCC members pushed for the government to renovate the 80-year-old Great World Entertainment Center. The center was one of the most popular entertainment venues in the city and had been a Mecca for residents and tourists wanting to enjoy the huge variety of attractions it offered.

It was famous as the Chinese Guinness World Records headquarters and especially for its traditional folk performances given by artists from all over the country. In the 1990s the venue slumped in popularity and it fell into disrepair.

Some speakers wanted to see the venue restored to its former glory and include private arts and cultural organizations, even an ongoing Chinese talent program.