Cyclists to face new tax
GUANGZHOU is to impose a new tax on cyclists in a move to help solve worsening traffic snarls.
As of June, owners of the 2.78 million bicycles in the city will have to pay an annual road toll of 36 yuan (HK$48.50).
Bicycles and motorcycles will also be banned from main roads in the city between 7 am and 6.30 pm.
According to the China News Service, Guangzhou has formed a new group headed by the mayor, Mr Li Ziliu, to tackle the problem of worsening traffic congestion.
The city government is hoping that a set of new measures will help quell public anger over common traffic snarls.
The ultimate aim is to gradually cut down the number of bicycles, limit the growth of motorcycles and greatly boost public transport facilities.
A total of eight million yuan will be invested to improve Guangzhou's public transport.
The report said the city government had also decided to establish traffic restricted zones to alleviate congestion in various areas of the city.
Beginning next year, all bicycles and motorcycles will be denied entry to those restricted areas.
Vans will also be banned from entering the zones.
Officials plan to impose parking controls in busy streets.
