New | China cracks down on loathed traffic passes carrying official privileges

The Beijing Traffic Management Bureau will phase out permits that allow special driving privileges, such as running red lights without consequences and free parking, the Beijing Youth Daily has reported.

The passes, issued by various government agencies, were intended only for official vehicles on special occasions, such as those used by emergency crew, policemen and military staff. But they have been so widely abused over the years that privately-owned luxury cars are often seen sporting four or five special passes, each designated for a different group, pressed up against the inside of the windshield.

These passes of privilege have been blamed for traffic problems and become a constant topic of public anger, a symbol of the rich and powerful riding above the law.

The government will continue to issue some passes in 2014, but their numbers will be dramatically reduced, according to the report. 

One pass commonly seen on Beijing streets has a red background with the white characters jing bei, which means "military command." It is issued to members of the Communist Party’s Central Committee and top officials at central government ministries, allowing their vehicles to perform otherwise illegal traffic manoeuvres without being stopped by traffic police. 

Another highly coveted pass, with a large “P” in yellow, gives the driver toll-free access to most car parks in Beijing.