Highway Congestion Eases, But Beijing Skies "Stubbornly Smoggy" As Olympics Air Rules Kick In

The roads were unusually clear but skies remained stubbornly smoggy in Beijing today at the start of an attempt to curb smog before the Olympics begin in three weeks.

The final stage of the programme, which began yesterday, saw half the city's 3.3m cars banned from the roads each day, depending on whether their number plates end in an odd or even digit.

City authorities hope the measure, which is enforced by thousands of number plate recognition cameras and the threat of a 100 yuan (£7.30) fine, will reduce vehicle emissions by more than 60%.

Traffic flow was notably better this morning, although an estimated 4 million extra commuters had to squeeze into the city's bus and underground train systems. While state media reported lower pollution readings, the skies were still hazy with smog. Olympic officials say the pollution curbs, which also include the temporary closure of many factories and a halt to construction work, could take more than a fortnight to pay off.

EDIT

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/jul/21/china.olympicgames2008?gusrc=rss&feed=networkfront

see them try that here

They're affluent enough to laugh off the 100 yuan fine. I predict that their Olympics coming out party is going to be a national embarrassment.