By China correspondent Stephen McDonell, posted 3/7/07
Beijing will withdraw one million cars from roads in a trial to reduce pollution.
Authorities in Beijing will withdraw one million cars from the city’s streets next month in a trial to reduce pollution for next year’s Olympics.
Anti-pollution contingencies for next year’s Olympic Games include banning all trucks, reducing private car numbers and prohibiting most Government vehicles from driving.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is concerned that high pollution levels could harm athletes.
In China, 750,000 people reportedly die prematurely every year because of pollution.
According to The Financial Times newspaper, this research was removed from a recent World Bank report, following pressure from the Chinese Government.