NPR: Linkfest: Beijing Cuts Back on Car Traffic

Linkfest: Beijing Cuts Back on Car Traffic

Beijing has instituted alternate driving days based on even and odd license plate numbers. It's part of an effort to crack down on the city's oppressive pollution in advance of the Olympic Games.

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Laura Silver

5:21 AM ET | 07-21-2008 | permalink

Comments

@Laura Silver: Beijing has instituted alternate driving days based on even and odd license plate numbers.

I think this is an awesome idea. We should try it here.

Sent by Dave Wiley | 10:04 AM ET | 07-21-2008

@Dave... a bit OT, but this exists in theory in France on high-pollution days. It is almost never invoked, and one of the specious arguments against it is that it is an "unfair" measure, because rich people can buy two cars, one with an even plate and one with an odd plate. It's that sort of reasoning that means that it is most unlikely that we'll ever have a congestion charge in Paris ("only rich people will be able to drive", ignoring the fact that truly poor people don't have cars).

Sent by Marc Naimark | 4:08 PM ET | 07-21-2008

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