Beijing unveils strictest policy to reduce car emissions

Beijing will adopt the strictest vehicle gasoline emission standard in history beginning next year, which, once completed, is expected to cut 10 percent of the city's particulate matter emitted from cars.

In order to ease air pollution from the transportation sector, the capital will enter into a new era of gasoline use by upgrading the car fuel to the "Beijing VI" standard, according to the Beijing Municipal Environmental Protection Bureau.

"The emission from cars is the biggest contributor for PM 2.5 in Beijing," said Li Kunsheng, head of the bureau's motor vehicle department, at a press conference on Monday. "It accounts for more than 40 percent for the city's particulate during non-heating seasons."

During the heating season, it contributes 30 percent.

The city currently uses the "Beijing V" emission standard, which equates to the "European V" standard adopted in European countries in 2009.

The new standard adds more detailed requirements on the emission of the fuel, which will further control the formation of particulate and ozone, according to Li.

dujuan@chinadaily.com.cn