Beijing has 3.87 million motor vehicles

At the end of September, the number of vehicles in Beijing reached 3.87 million. Starting on January 1, 2009, the number of vehicles in Beijing increased by 364,000, up 27.4 percent compared to the whole year of 2008. All vehicles in Beijing, if placed end-to-end, would be about 17,415 kilometers long, capable of circling the 33 kilometer long Second Ring Road 527.7 times.

At the beginning of September, the number of vehicles in Beijing increased rapidly, with a daily net increase of over 1,800 vehicles. If all vehicles were calculated as common Santana models and placed end-to-end, the lineup would be about 17,415 kilometers long, capable of circling the 33 kilometer long Second Ring Road 527.7 times and circling the Sixth Ring Road 93.2 times. If they were parked side by side, all vehicles would take up an area of 29.60 million square meters, big enough to cover more than 4,000 football fields.

There are 5.56 million who drive cars. It means that among the 17 million people in Beijing, there is a driver for every 3 citizens or 1 to 2 drivers in every family, on average. Since 2009, each month has witnessed an average increase of 48,000 drivers.

The traffic authorities remind all drivers that in the several days after the long holiday, areas around Tiananmen Square, specific traffic intersections, highways, scenic spots, eating and shopping areas will accumulate large crowds of people and vehicles which will exert continual pressure on the surrounding radial roads. Meanwhile, as the Golden-Week holiday is at its peak travel period, drivers of new vehicles should make sure that their cars meet the safety standards as well as reduce high speed driving and hard, sudden braking while driving.

Translated by LOTO