Turn off your car, please

People ride through parked and moving vehicles in Xicheng district, Beijing, Nov 15, 2013. [Photo/Xinhua]

Beijing legislators on Wednesday called on drivers to shut off their car engines whenever they are stopped longer than three minutes.

The idea has received considerable attention as part of a broader regulation to reduce air pollution.

It was the third time the Standing Committee of Beijing People's Congress has discussed the anti-pollution measure.

On Oct 24, the committee heard from experts and residents, most of whom supported the idea of turning off cars but who suggested that the pollution-fighting habit be encouraged rather than being made compulsory.

The draft amendment now includes no penalty but seeks to guide residents to make environment protection a part of everyday practice.

It asks drivers to turn off their cars when standing more than three minutes near certain special areas such as schools, hospitals, parks and hotels.