Beijing is to ban the sale of new cars which fail to meet new emissions standards, it has been reported.

According to the Xinhua news agency, the new standards will be brought into effect from March 1st and are equivalent to Euro IV requirements.

The move forms part of an attempt to cut air pollution ahead of the Olympic Games.

Meanwhile, from July 1st heavy vehicles used for public transport, sanitation and mail services will also be required to meet the new standards, dubbed China IV.

However, heavy vehicles used for other purposes will not be subjected to the new norms.

It is not known whether the sanctions will apply after the August Olympics or whether they are merely temporary measures for the lead-up to and duration of the Games.

It is hoped that the measure will reduce emissions of carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons and nitrogen oxides by 48,000 tonnes, 5,300 tonnes, and 4,100 tonnes respectively this year.

Source:

Beijing to apply new emission standards for car sales from March 1 - Xinhua
http://www.forbes.com/markets/feeds/afx/2008/02/17/afx4664322.html

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