With the Olympic Games a mere two weeks away, the government of China has imposed driving restrictions in Beijing.
Vehicles are allowed on the roads on alternate days based on the final digit (whether it is an odd or even number) on their licence plates.
It is an attempt to ease traffic congestion in the city as well as to improve the notoriously poor air quality caused by exhaust pollution.
This move has met with much opposition from the Chinese people for obvious reasons, especially from individuals who rely on their vehicles for their livelihood.
But the benefits of such a measure cannot be dismissed.
The Singapore Government has come up with several initiatives to address the issue of congestion here, including the fee increase for Electronic Road Pricing (ERP).
This measure, however, seems to be an interim solution at best.
In view of the congestion on Singapore roads, we could emulate what the Beijing government is doing.
The Singapore Government could, perhaps, consider implementing similar rules within the Central Business District (CBD), where cars with odd or even number plates are taken off the road on alternate days.
This can be done with the exception of public transport vehicles such as buses, taxis and freight vehicles.
When a motorist must drive on a day that he is not supposed to, he can pay a premium for ERP in order to do so.
As such a move may lead to opposition from motorists, the Government could, perhaps, incentivise them with a reduction in road or vehicle taxes.
This bold idea, if implemented, may make motorists think more about their choice of transport. They may, as a result, be more encouraged to carpool or switch to public transport.
It is time for us to consider this idea and take bold steps towards addressing the triple threats of traffic congestion, climate change and rising petrol prices.
By making such sacrifices, hopefully, we will be able to make our environment even more liveable.
