China To Scrap 5.33M Non-Compliant Vehicles In 2014 To Improve Air Quality

Cameron Aubernon
by Cameron Aubernon

In its ongoing effort to clear the air in its major cities, the Chinese government has plans to throw 5.33 million non-compliant vehicles into the crusher by the end of 2014.

Reuters reports the vehicles targeted are those in possession of yellow label stickers. The marked vehicles are restricted in where they can travel due to their failure to meet current fuel standards. In Beijing, 330,000 such vehicles are still on the road, while the surrounding province of Hebei — which holds seven of China’s most smoggy cities — will have 660,000 yellow label vehicles to scrap.

Though previous compliance programs offered those who volunteered to scrap their cars between $400 and $2,300 in subsidies, none have covered yellow label vehicles as far as compensation is concerned, and no word has been given on how owners of said vehicles will be compensated, if at all. Officials also state enforcement of the rules is lacking at best, and owners have found ways to go around the restrictions.

The new policy also includes plans to close coal-fired heating systems, as well as installation of anti-pollution equipment at power plants, steel mills and cement factories.

Cameron Aubernon
Cameron Aubernon

Seattle-based writer, blogger, and photographer for many a publication. Born in Louisville. Raised in Kansas. Where I lay my head is home.

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  • Jeff S Jeff S on May 29, 2014

    Who can blame China for having a program like this with their pollution. China has to do something.

    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on May 30, 2014

      @Jeff S - part of the reason China has prospered is due to Western and Old World companies offshoring to avoid the costs of producing morally sound products i.e. products that provide workers with fair wages, safe work environments, and reduce the impact to the environment. I've said the very same thing on the other site we both frequent and the mouth breathing knuckle draggers broke out the tried and true liberal accusations or America hater accusations. I've also said before that as China becomes more affluent and the middle class grows in size and power, China will have no choice but to self regulate. Hmmmmmmmmm...looks like that is starting to happen.

  • Hummer Hummer on May 29, 2014

    Biggest thing about this and every other countries laws(to me), is no matter what classic American vehicles always end up on the losing side. Some European countries don't allow salvaged vehicles to go back onto the road, while a simple fender bender can be what causes the total for older cars.

  • Thelaine Thelaine on May 29, 2014

    The government hasn't accomplished sht. To the extent they have allowed freedom, the people have gained prosperity. The government has never cleaned up pollution. They just announce things and then take bribes.

  • Boxerman Boxerman on May 29, 2014

    If its a serious goal, then they will cleam up the air. Maybe its not a democracy, but that does not mean the goverment is not sensitive to the feelings of the populace. The NO1 social and health issue there is air pollution. Clean the air, couple that with growing properity and the majority of peopel wont have an issue with gov. The Chinese are very pragmatic, the gov knows that to stay in power, to have peace iont he land, there needs to be economic growth and now cleansing of air and corruption. It looks like thta is the way they are heading, and asa more propserous nation they can now affoird soem cleaner air programs. BTW what hapopens in other countries liek europe or the USA where you car fails emissions tests, it also has yto go off the road, and you dont get compensated a penny.

    • See 1 previous
    • Lou_BC Lou_BC on May 30, 2014

      @thelaine - "They may clean the air, but corruption cannot be meaningfully addressed in a system like China’s." In your statement one can replace the word China with the name of many other countries............. including the acronym "USA".

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