Curb car growth

    EACH day 300 or more cars are sold in Shenzhen, which is already congested. Air pollution is high, respiratory problems are on the rise and traffic is jammed everywhere you go. More people are killed in the streets in accidents.

    But it seems the city is doing nothing to stop this crazy pursuit of car ownership.

    There are many ways to curb rapid car growth:

    1) China’s 60 percent of oil use depends on imports: why not increase the cost of gasoline (in Europe it is now 1.50 euro per liter or more);

    2) Increase taxes and fees on cars;

    3) Create more areas open only to buses and taxis;

    4) Create more pedestrian precincts;

    5) Increase the number of traffic police officers;

    6) Limit car use when pollution exceeds a certain level.

    John Wang via e-mail

    Disappearing vehicles

    WHEN I arrived in Shekou 10 years ago, one of the first things I did was buy a bicycle.

    After a few days, my bike was stolen. After 10 bicycles were stolen in about two years I decided to buy a safer means of transport: a car equipped with an alarm system.

    Unfortunately it was stolen near my home three years later.

    Because I needed a car for everyday activities, and the police said it was almost impossible to get my stolen car back, I bought a new car equipped with every sort of alarm system and safety gadget. That did prevent thieves from stealing the new car, but they ultimately managed to steal my bag containing my computer and other important personal belongings from the car.

    The last two incidents are even more depressing.

    When my son came to visit me during the summer holidays, I bought an electric bicycle to give him some independence around Shekou.

    However, after just a few days, police stopped him and, with little information, took the electric bike away. It appeared that they wanted to check if the vehicle, bought in a shop in Shekou, complied with the law.

    A few days later I went to the police office to reclaim the bike, only to be told by police that it had already been destroyed ... without giving me any notice.

    Similar cases happened to other expatriates in Shekou. Electric bikes confiscated by the police soon disappeared.

    Finally, a few days ago, I was stopped in my car by police in Shekou and the car taken away for inspection. This time it was about the plate number. Even though I showed all the necessary documents, my vehicle is now seized and nobody can tell me when it will be released.

    I have decided to buy another car rather than wait for an unlimited time.

    It seems in Shekou I need a second means of transport I can tap in case of an emergency.

    I love Shenzhen but serious action should be taken to improve safety and the standard of law enforcement.

    Marco Loglio via e-mail