Beijing brings back cleaner air policies following Olympics

Authorities in China have implemented clean air measures following the success of the strategies adopted to make the city's air breathable in time for the 2008 Olympics.

One of the major new rules to be introduced is a license plate number-based scheme which prevents 20 per cent of vehicles from entering the capital on a daily basis, csmonitor.com reported.

The initiative, also used in other cities of the world, is similar to a rule introduced in August for the Olympics which banned cars from the streets every second day.

Du Shaozhong, deputy head of Beijing's Environmental Protection Agency, pledged during the Olympics, that "the temporary measures we have adopted will continue in one way or another".

Most factories have now reopened since the sporting event, though those that do not comply with air quality standards have been ordered to remain closed at present.

Chinese athletes topped the medal table in the sporting event, winning a total of 51 gold, 21 silver and 28 bronze medals throughout the two-week games.