Beijing municipality has announced it will extend its post-Olympic vehicle restrictions for another year from April 11th. The restrictions are intended to ease traffic congestion and reduce air pollution.

Vehicles will continue to be banned one day a week according to the last number of their license plates. However, the restriction period will be cut by two hours each day and the restricted area will no longer include the fifth ring road. The regulations continue to ban 30 percent of government vehicles.

Guangdong province is also considering a similar measure to relieve the traffic pressure. The provincial government is now seeking public opinion on the Internet.

(CCTV April 8, 2009)