Whether these measures can be strictly implemented will decide whether the smog will last as long as expected. According to the Ministry of Environmental Protection, vehicle emissions are a major source of the pollutants that cause the smog, so it is necessary to implement these measures.

More importantly, government departments must set an example for residents to follow by suspending the vehicles registered under their names.

To better implement these measures, it is urgent to make clear who will supervise the process. When Beijing issued an orange alert on Saturday, the municipal government did a good job in strictly carrying out the task of supervising the imposed restrictions, which require industrial plants to reduce or shut down production, construction sites to stop the transportation of materials and waste and ban heavy-duty trucks from the roads. It needs to do a good job again.

Of course, ordinary residents have a role to play, too. Besides not driving on the days they are not allowed to, residents can do much more to protect themselves. Primary schools and other education institutions should also suspend classes.

Beijing has "rich" experience in enduring days of smog; and both its residents and authorities know the importance of joint efforts to fight air pollution.

The regulations have been improved several times to meet the requirements, but a good regulation is nothing without strict implementation and people adhering to it.