CRI听力:Beijing authorities mobilize to contain pollution as city issues red alert for smog

Worsening air quality in Beijing prompted authorities to activate the red alert around 4 pm on Friday, December 16th, 2016, several hours ahead of the original plans. This means vehicle restrictions are now in place.

Rong Jun is with the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transportation.

"The odd-even driving scheme means a decrease of about 35% to 50% of private cars in the streets, according to the data we collected during previous vehicle restriction periods. About 500,000 more passenger trips are expected to be made with the ground public transportation every day during the alert active period."

Forecasters are warning the heavy fog is going to stick around for at least the next four days, meaning the odd-even license plate restrictions are likely going to be in effect through at least Tuesday.

Red is the most serious in the government's four-tiered color-coded system, followed by orange, yellow and blue. A red alert is only issued if the city's PM2.5 count reaches 500. Four consecutive days of heavy air pollution, with the index reading over 200, can also activate a red alert. Two days of the PM2.5 index reading above 300 will do the same.

PM2.5 density in central Beijing hit 253 shortly after 4pm on Friday, prompting officials to make the move to "red."

Du Yue with Beijing's Municipal Public Transportation Authority says even they have to make adjustments.

"Under these conditions, we have to make moves based on what we can accomodate, and what we have available. During an alert like this, we want to put as many energy-efficient and environmentally friendly buses on the roads."

Beyond vehicles, all road and outdoor construction in the Chinese capital has been shut down. Those caught breaking the rules face stiff fines.

Until the alert is lifted, Beijing's kindergartens, primary schools and private training schools are also shut down.

Forecasters are suggesting the main reason for the heavy smog is a lack of air flow. Warmer than usual temperatures in recent days has kept pollution from dispersing. A weak frontal system is expected to land in the Beijing region on Tuesday. However, forecasters are warning it probably won't be enough to completely knock down the heavy smog, giving the capital only a slight respite.

The "red alert" is expected to be lifted by Wednesday, December 21st, 2016.