Beijing to Implement 'Odd-Even' Car Limitations, Aug 20-Sep 3

Steven Schwankert | Aug 4, 2015 9:00 am | Add a comment | 4142 reads

Expect a lot more blue sky days like today because automobile usage restrictions are going into effect beginning August 20, according to the Xinhua News Agency.

Beijing drivers will be required to adhere to the "odd-even" restrictions from Monday through Friday, a measure that we believe should be adopted permanently. It not only reduces traffic congestion, but also has a very positive effect on air quality in the city.

This method was first used during the 2008 Olympics, and has more recently been implemented during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in November 2014, which, coupled with factory furloughs, produced "APEC blue" skies, which may end up being that event's legacy.

The restrictions go into effect for two major events: the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) world championships, also known as the track and field world championships featuring Usain Bolt, Beijing Olympics gold medal winner and 100 meter world record holder, which begins August 22, and the September 3-5 special holiday.

Anyway, late August and early September should be a very nice time to be in Beijing.

More stories by this author here.

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Photo: Steven Schwankert/the Beijinger