Opinion | Beijing's curbs on use of government vehicles raises hope for change

According to media reports this month, the government has unveiled new directives restricting the use of cars by central government officials.

Little has been achieved in the past 20 years, but these two documents have given hope that change is imminent. If implemented with the help of innovative measures, the initial objectives will be achieved, leading to higher-level reforms being carried out in other sectors in the future.

Some years ago, strict rules were imposed on the use of government vehicles according to officials' ranking and for private and public occasions. However, the use of government vehicles for private and public reasons has led to corruption and, subsequently, public outrage.

Government vehicle expenses are astronomical, accounting for about 60 per cent of central government expenses for government vehicles, overseas trips and business receptions. Local governments have spent even more.

For years, attempts have been made to reform the government vehicle system, with some proposals being shelved even before consultations were carried out.

However, this time things look different. First, this reform proposal aims to create a new model for official duty trips that is compliant with a modern system of governance. Second, detailed timetables and road maps have been set out for completion of the reform: the end of this year for the central government and the end of 2015 for local government agencies.

The role played by the central government should not be underestimated. Under the reform proposal, government vehicles can no longer be used for general official duties. Instead, officials will receive travel expenses. Thus, the unwritten rules of how vehicles are allotted among high-ranking officials will become written rules for travel subsidies. This is the most important part of the reform.