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Shanghai will ask drivers of private cars to stay away from  some roads for one day next month, following a similar experiment in Beijing, to highlight the need for environmental protection, local media said yesterday.

The city will 'discourage' the use of private cars on  September 22 in the financial district and sections of some major  thoroughfares, including Nanjing, Huaihai and Changshu roads. The ban will be effective from 7am to 7pm, though participation will be  up to the drivers.

The  voluntary ban, designated 'World Carfree Day', was organised by the World Carfree Network,  a loose global coalition of organisations and individuals. Reports said more than 100 mainland cities would participate.

Shanghai will deploy extra buses and ask government officials and state company executives to leave their cars home that day.

Office worker Owen Xu  said he would comply with the ban but the city needed to improve public transport to discourage people from driving.

'I think the concept and purpose of the campaign - to improve the environment and traffic conditions - are positive,' he said. 'But it will  cause some inconvenience, especially if this activity is held frequently.'

In a previous trial, Beijing tested a scheme to limit cars based on odd and even licence plate numbers for four days this month in preparation for the Olympics next year. Residents  said traffic flow improved,  but not air quality.

Shanghai had 2.4 million motor vehicles, including 1.1 million cars, last year.

Despite worsening traffic, authorities insist that a licence plate auction which sets high prices  limits the number of cars effectively.  But some drivers  have capitalised on a loophole by registering their cars in other provinces.

Officials recently denied rumours that further limits would be placed on cars with plates from outside of Shanghai.

Shanghai's readings for nitrogen dioxide, which come from vehicle exhaust emissions, improved last year but the number of days with 'good' air quality remained almost unchanged.



Shanghai to try out voluntary no-car day