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Effectiveness of government enforcement in driving restrictions: a case in Beijing, China

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  • Xueying Lu

Abstract

During the Olympic Games in 2008, a driving restriction based on vehicle license plate numbers was implemented in Beijing to mitigate air pollution and traffic congestion. Following the Games, the restriction was modified several times. This paper investigates the effects of two policy changes: a weakening policy change due to a shorter restricted time period, and a strengthening policy change due to a higher penalty for violators and the complementary car purchasing restriction. By employing a regression discontinuity design in a Tobit model, I find that the weakening policy change led to more pollution and the strengthening policy change improved air quality in restricted areas. Several robustness checks confirm the results. I also provide suggestive evidence that driving restrictions increased the use of public transportation and alleviated traffic congestion. Copyright Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies and Springer Japan 2016

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  • Xueying Lu, 2016. "Effectiveness of government enforcement in driving restrictions: a case in Beijing, China," Environmental Economics and Policy Studies, Springer;Society for Environmental Economics and Policy Studies - SEEPS, vol. 18(1), pages 63-92, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:envpol:v:18:y:2016:i:1:p:63-92
    DOI: 10.1007/s10018-015-0112-7
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    3. Liu, Zhiyong & Li, Ruimin & Wang, Xiaokun(Cara) & Shang, Pan, 2018. "Effects of vehicle restriction policies: Analysis using license plate recognition data in Langfang, China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 118(C), pages 89-103.
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    7. Li, Ling & Yang, Linchuan, 2023. "Effects of driving restrictions on air quality and housing prices: Evidence from Chengdu, China," Transportation Research Part A: Policy and Practice, Elsevier, vol. 176(C).
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