Guangzhou Tackles Traffic WoesTraffic jams are a common sight in the capital of Guangdong Province, but city leaders have vowed to give its crowded streets a new look.A crucial part of the city's drive to build itself an international metropolis, this campaign aims at employing modern technologies to clear obstructions and create a smooth-running traffic flow for both drivers and pedestrians, said Ouyang Zhi, an official from the Guangzhou municipal government. By the year 2005, leaders say, the city will be able to keep at least 70 per cent of its automobile traffic moving at a steady 30 kilometres per hour in addition to reducing the number of traffic law-breakers to a scant 2 per cent. They are shooting for a 95 per cent satisfaction rate among the residents, they claim. "This is one of the greatest challenges for the city administrators. But it is something the people demand and we can't delay any more," said Ouyang. Spurred by rapid economic development during the past two decades, the number of cars and trucks registered in Guangzhou has increased by 110,000 annually to over 1.25 million early this year apart from vehicles from outside towns and motorcycles. Rather than simply continue to expand roads, the city has now turned to a combination of scientific traffic planning, modern monitoring systems and strict rules, according to Liu Jinjun, head of the city's traffic police. A comprehensive development plan on traffic management is currently in the works, following consultation with experts from home, as well as from Japan and the United States. The city has re-drawn lanes to make more room for cars by decreasing the width of large-vehicle lanes from 3.75 metres to 3 to 3.3 metres. More traffic monitoring equipment will be applied to make up for a police shortage, Liu said. Stricter rules will be implemented to control the three major traffic trouble-makers: army vehicles, buses and students who ride bicycles. And motorcycles, one of the favourite transport tools among the Cantonese, will be withdrawn from the roads gradually. (www. chinadaily.com.cn) |
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