Wenzhou reforms govt cars policy

The transportation allowance for senior officers in Wenzhou was found to be the highest in China after new regulations were issued in April to reform the use of government cars.

The average transportation subsidy for a senior officer at the division level is 2,800 yuan ($441) a month.

"Although the highest allowance is 3,100 yuan per month, which represents 20 percent of total officials, there is also the lowest point, which is 400 yuan," said Chen Bo, the director of the municipal vehicle reform department in Wenzhou.

Chen added the department's main goal is to make good use of government cars.

The department sold 215 vehicles at an auction held on June 24 - the first time that vehicles used by officials were put on auction since the release of the new policy.

At the auction, an Audi bought in August 2000 was sold for 69,000 yuan, seven times higher than the asking price.

"Only 11 vehicles weren't sold at the auction, which is beyond our expectations," said Wang Lujin, an auctioneer at Wenzhou Property Trades Auction Co Ltd.

Chen added that the new policy will be monitored by the department to ensure that every official follows the rules.

The reform involves 1,400 vehicles and is expected to be completed before December.