License plates of public cars should take on a different color to differentiate private ones for more effective supervision over jobbery on this public resource, a political advisor proposed during the ongoing annual session of China's top advisory body.

The private use of public cars causes heavy financial burden and the unhealthy phenomenon must be checked, said Huang Hongxiang, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC).

It is unnecessary and impractical to call off all public cars, but there should be strict management and supervision over the use of the public resource, Huang said.

License plates in a different color from that of private cars can help supervisors and the public spot violation with ease, Huang said.

The advisor called for severe punishment on violators.

Private use of public cars was brought under attack of public opinions in recent years in China, and governments at all levels are making efforts to rein in the unhealthy phenomenon.

China has more than 4 million public cars, on which governments have to pay 300 billion yuan (US$37.5 billion) a year, including the wage of drivers.

(Xinhua News Agency March 12, 2006)