Reuters AlertNet Lite - China plans to hold first "no car" day

Reuters AlertNet Full site

NEWSDESK

China plans to hold first "no car" day

05 May 2007 12:07:59 GMT
Source: Reuters

BEIJING, May 5 (Reuters) - China's smog-choked capital and the financial hub of Shanghai have agreed to close their roads for the country's first "no car" day, along with over 100 other cities, the official Xinhua agency said on Saturday.

On September 22 private cars will be barred from some roads, forcing people to walk, use public transport or get back on the bicycles for which Chinese cities used to be famous.

Officials are struggling to clean up the grey skies of its major cities, as pollution takes a rising toll on health and growth, while supporting an industry key to its booming growth.

The country's car fleet has been growing, with an estimated 1,000 new private vehicles hitting the streets of Beijing alone each day, the report said.

But for those members of the growing middle class who have been car owners too long to face being crammed into a bus or train, taxis will still be allowed to ply the otherwise car-free streets.

AlertNet news is provided by

Email this article Send comments

Countries

Small country map
© 2004 Europa Technologies Ltd.

Reset map

• China profile
· View map

MORE >>

NGO latest

• Christian Aid joins green.tv
Christian Aid - UK

• Christian Aid comment on 5 April Gleneagles event
Christian Aid - UK

• Governments must invest to help poor people adapt to climate change
CARE International - UK

• Beware of hidden strings on EU's offer on trade
Christian Aid - UK

• Australians see little improvement for children in developing countries
ChildFund Australia

MORE >>

Latest news

• China plans to hold first "no car" day

• Kenya Airways plane crashes in Cameroon - radio

• Macau chief executive defends police firing

• Sri Lanka and Burundi Human Rights Defenders Win 2007 Martin Ennals Award

• Beating global warming needn't cost the earth-UN

MORE >>

Last updated:Sat May 5 12:09:38 2007