All open trucks carrying sand, coal or rubbish have been banned from urban roads in China's capital, in order to protect the environment, according to regulations which came into effect on August 1.

Under the rule, the compartments of all these trucks have to be completely closed, to prevent dust from spreading and polluting the roads and the air.

In the past, open trucks rumbled over city roads to and from construction sites, often causing serious environmental pollution and traffic accidents, local traffic experts said.

The fully-closed compartments must be made to a standard size and have to pass an official test before use, according to the regulations.

Since Beijing won the bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games last year, the city has issued a series of local laws and regulations to improve the environment.

(Xinhua News Agency August 3, 2002)