Beijing's environmental authority announced an action plan on Monday to deal with the capital's increasingly serious air pollution. According to the plan, motor vehicles will be restricted in different areas during different time periods, and a study will be conducted into levying a congestion charge to reduce traffic flows and cut down on exhaust emissions.

The plan also outlines that the capital will make efforts to control its rapidly increasing population to ease the pressure on its environment.

Given the quality of life of residents is compromised by the severe congestion that plagues the city and the heavy smog that shrouds it on winter days, such a plan is long overdue.