Pollution, traffic hot topics for advisers

Beijing's lawmakers, political advisers meet to come up with solutions

Air pollution and traffic congestion are likely to top the agenda when Beijing's lawmakers and political advisers gather for their annual meetings this week.

The lawmakers' seven-day meeting, scheduled to open on Tuesday, will see the capital's new mayor chosen by deputies. Leaders of the city's legislature, government organs and the judicial system will also be elected.

Political advisers gathered on Monday for their annual plenary meeting of the Beijing committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), a political consultative body that offers advice to the government.

An Lijuan, a deputy to Beijing People's Congress, said she will urge the government to spend more money on easing traffic jams. She said she believes urban development can help solve the problem.

"Although the city has a blueprint for urban development, the plan has not been implemented well. I think each district should develop its own advantage, such as education and high technology, instead of blindly seeking comprehensive expansion on urban construction," An said, adding that a well-planned development blueprint would also improve air quality by reducing car exhaust emissions.

Liu Weilin, also a deputy in Beijing, said he believes air pollution and traffic jams are likely to be the main items of discussion. He said he will suggest the government match its economic capability with the construction of urban facilities.