China's major cities are busily carrying out the "Smooth Traffic Project" launched on February 26 to solve worsening traffic problems that have long annoyed urban motorists.

The State Council's General Office recently approved the plan for the project, initiated by the Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Construction, and ordered departments concerned to work together to tackle the overburdened traffic systems in cities throughout the country.

China now has 53 million motor vehicles, and the figure is growing at an alarming 18 percent a year, while new road construction is increasing by only 8.78 percent yearly. China has fewer than one million parking spaces, or one spot for every 50 vehicles. And drivers in big cities often complain about traffic jams and low speed limits.

The country is now working to ensure that its national roads and expressways, and its urban traffic remain in good order in anticipation of future economic growth which will require improved traffic management.