Beijing to toughen anti-air pollution measures

By Park Sae-jin Posted : October 18, 2013, 17:30 Updated : October 18, 2013, 17:30
The Beijing Municipal Government Thursday announced a set of measures to cope with lingering smog.

The measures include the introduction of a double-shift driving system for vehicles to replace the current five-shift scheme, according to the Shinjingbao newspaper.

When a red alert for air pollution is issued, the alternate-day driving system for cars with odd- and even-numbered license plates will be implemented and schools will be temporarily closed, the newspaper said. Currently, about 5.2 million vehicles are registered with the municipal government.

Beijing first introduced such a double-shift driving system during the 2008 Summer Olympics.

According to the Beijing Municipal Heavy Air Pollution Emergency Response Program, the city will adopt a four-tier color alert system for air pollution.

The red alert, the highest level, will be issued when Beijing is plagued by air pollution for three consecutive days. The Chinese capital is often mired by hazy dust and pollution.
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