Beijing Bans Polluters

Have a polluting vehicle? Then give Beijing a wide berth. You are no longer welcome here. Starting in June, any vehicles driving into China’s capital must carry an “Environmentally Friendly” label issued by their local authorities, Gasgoo reports. Environmental oinkers will be banned from driving inside the 5th Ring Road of the capital. From October 1, vehicles not meeting the standard can’t enter the capital’s areas inside the 6th Ring Road—a monster more than 100 miles long surrounding Beijing well outside the city proper. Part of a far-reaching plan to clear the air in China’s capital.

This follows a ban of “yellow plate” (polluting, not meeting Euro 4) vehicles that was enacted January 1, 2009. It removed 300,000 polluting cars from the inner city streets, with amazing effect. I can actually see the horizon from my window. Last year, we could barely see the next building.

But what about the other green? Asked whether out-of-town vehicles delivering fresh vegetables, fruits and other farm produce to Beijing will be banned also, an official said the authorities “are studying” the matter. Translation: “Ooops, didn’t think of that.”