With a regulatory change that went into effect on Thursday, people who live in Beijing but are not registered permanent residents are able to own cars in the capital for the first time.

The revised vehicle registration regulation is in line with the city's policy of removing barriers that discriminate against migrant workers.

Drivers who are not permanent residents need their ID cards, temporary residence documents, vehicle purchase invoice and other documents to register their vehicles.

Reactions to the news appearing on Internet discussion boards were mixed.

One web user expressed satisfaction, saying that he is considering buying a sedan following price reductions across China in recent months.

But another web user complained, "I bought a car about 10 days ago in the name of one of my good Beijing friends. If I apply to re-register the owner's name on the license I'll have to pay an extra 2,000 yuan (US$240)."

Traffic police also expressed concern about the possible sharp increase in the number of vehicles on Beijing's roads, which are already clogged with traffic.

Registered cars in Beijing now number 2.3 million, including 1.5 million frequently used on city streets.

The city has so far shown no signs of restricting private purchases, but Liu Xiaoming, deputy director of the Beijing Municipal Communications Commission, said in a recent speech that the commission is considering "raising fees for each car as an administrative measure."

The relaxation of car registration restrictions may also be part of the government's effort to revitalize the auto market, which has been in a slump since last year.

(China Daily March 4, 2005)