Monday was the first workday in Beijing, China, under a strict new rule that aims to reduce air pollution before the Olympic games, by taking half of the city’s 3.3 million cars off the road.
Milions of commuters who usually drive their own vehicles to work car pooled, took public transit, biked or walked. For the next two months, vehicles with license plates ending in odd numbers will be banned from the city’s streets one day, and even numbers the next.
Some observers said the effects were noticeable immediately. In addition to a reduction in traffic, the Associated Press reported that by nightfall the usually brown, hazy sky had mostly cleared.
Drivers caught breaking the rule will be fined $14, which is considered a stiff penalty even in the economically booming city.
The Olylmpics will take place in Beijing from August 8-24, and Chinese officials have guaranteed that the city’s poor air quality will not affect athletes.
A spokesman for Beijing’s Olympic organizing committee, said the driving restrictions should reduce vehicle emissions by 63%.
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