Capital may see return of odd-even license plate system

Beijing traffic authority Monday announced that the capital may impose the odd-even license plate system again at particular times and in certain areas to reduce the number of cars on the road in 2013.

It will launch a feasibility assessment soon on an odd-even traffic ban and also conduct research on flexible working hours and peak shifting plans, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport told the Global Times. The system was used during the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.　

The commission warned in August that the city would encounter the most severe traffic congestion in September as the October 1 National Day holiday approached.

A work report issued by the commission on Monday said that long-term and large -scale traffic congestion did not happen in Beijing in September. The traffic congestion index during the peak hours reached 6.4, which equates to a moderate congestion rating, but represents an increase of 10.3 percent from the same period of 2011.

"Dongcheng and Xicheng districts saw serious congestion in September, while Chaoyang and Haidian districts had a moderate congestion rating," said the commission's media officer, surnamed Zhu.

However, some traffic experts feel that other measures to deal with the capital's congestion problem could be considered.

Zhang Xintian, a professor from the school of civil and transportation engineering at Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture, said increasing public transportation capacity will be more effective than a number plate system.　

"Currently, Beijing hasn't encountered the most serious congestion in China, but the government should take more measures to deal with emergency situations, such as [when we had] the torrential rainstorm on July 21," Zhang said.

Some residents claim the measures will only affect the underprivileged.　

"Rich people can have cars with different plates and the traffic control can clear the way for people with privilege, so the first thing to do before releasing any measure is to eliminate the privilege," said Beijing resident Tian Cong Tuesday.