Beijing mulls E-license plates for 2015 congestion charge policy   

北京明年择期开收交通拥堵费 须先普及电子车牌

数据显示，北京机动车排放的PM2.5约占全市PM2.5排放总量的22.2%，机动车减排工程是清洁空气行动计划的重要任务。根据北京市今年的交通排堵保畅工作方案，今年年底前，低排放区车辆使用政策将出台，同时研究电子车牌技术，为收取交通拥堵费提供技术支撑。[查看全文]

(ECNS) -- Beijing is planning to implement a traffic congestion charging policy as early as 2015 to help clean air in the capital by reducing vehicle emissions. Electronic license plates would be introduced as technological support for the new system, the Beijing Times reported on Wednesday.

Official data show that vehicle exhaust contributes 22.2 percent of the PM2.5 in Beijing.

An official of the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport told the Beijing Times that detailed regulations about the charging system are being developed. A policy package introducing the pricing mechanism and low emission zones in the city will be worked out within this year, he said.

The official also said that issuing electronic license plates is a prerequisite for the implementation of the charging system, since manual toll collection is time-consuming and may increase congestion.

After such E-plates are applied, congestion fees can be deducted from drivers' accounts even when cars are traveling at high speeds.

Business districts, scenic spots and their surrounding areas are expected to be selected as low emission zones. These are geographically defined areas that are designed to deter access for specific types of polluting vehicles, according to the official.

Some experts also suggested designating areas around hospitals and schools as low emission zones, the official added.