China to monitor 'toll-free' policy

BEIJING - Chinese authorities will inspect during the upcoming National Day holidays whether the policy which allows free passage of cars on the country's expressways is well implemented.

Local inspection authorities have been told to check whether expressway toll stations, expressway service areas and parking lots in scenic spots nationwide are carrying out the toll-free policy, said a circular issued Tuesday by the Ministry of Supervision and the State Council Office of Redressing Malpractices.

Chinese authorities have adopted a new regulation which exempts passenger cars taking expressways from tolls during the Spring Festival, Tomb Sweeping Day, Labor Day and National Day holidays, starting October this year.

Inspection authorities at all levels will conduct on-the-spot checks for irregularities and seriously dealing with arbitrary charges and violations of the policy, the circular said.

The policy, which allows free passage of passenger cars with seven seats or fewer on toll roads, bridges and tunnels, is warmly welcomed by  the majority of private car owners, a group that has long complained that toll gates cause traffic jams during national holidays.