Free Highway Mileage Proposal Sparks Debate in China
In a recent proposal, Zhang Qiang, a member of the National People's Congress, suggested that each vehicle should be entitled to a fixed amount of free highway mileage per year, which can be flexibly allocated to any time period. Specifically, he recommended that each vehicle should enjoy 5,000 kilometers of free highway mileage annually, with the freedom to use it at any time. This proposed measure aims to alleviate the congestion problems on highways during peak holiday seasons, such as the Spring Festival, Qingming Festival, Labor Day, and National Day.
5 March 2025
The idea has sparked heated discussions across various sectors of society, with some people believing it could help reduce congestion and others questioning its feasibility and fairness. Some car owners may not be able to utilize the free highway mileage during holidays due to family or work commitments, which could be seen as unfair. To address this issue, Zhang Qiang suggested establishing an "annual free quota" system, where each eligible small passenger vehicle would be entitled to a fixed number of free days per year, which can be used at any time, including non-holiday periods.
The existing policy of free highway travel during four major Chinese holidays has led to immense pressure on road traffic due to a sudden increase in vehicle numbers. Critics argue that implementing a fixed mileage system for free highway usage poses significant challenges, including statistical and regulatory hurdles. For instance, it would be difficult to track and monitor individual vehicles' mileage, and the system could be prone to abuse. Moreover, concerns have been raised about the potential impact on local finances, as highway construction and maintenance are costly endeavors that require long-term investment.
Many highways are already struggling to break even, and offering free mileage could exacerbate this issue. Some critics point out that the proposal "completely ignores the feasibility of implementation" and fails to consider the diversity of individual car usage, such as those who own multiple vehicles or do not own a car at all. Additionally, the proposal's potential to benefit the wealthy at the expense of the general public has been questioned, as those who can afford to own and maintain multiple vehicles may reap the most benefits.
On the other hand, many people support the proposal, believing it could help reduce congestion and provide more flexibility for car owners. They argue that the current policy of free highway travel during holidays leads to a surge in traffic, causing congestion and safety hazards. By allocating a fixed amount of free mileage to each vehicle, car owners can plan their journeys more effectively, reducing the pressure on highways during peak seasons. Some also suggest that the proposal could stimulate car sales and encourage people to take more road trips during off-peak seasons.
To further address the issue of congestion, Zhang Qiang also suggested extending the free time period on toll roads, allowing car owners to use the highways for free until 6 am the day after a holiday, rather than cutting off at midnight. While some people believe this could help reduce the risk of accidents caused by drivers rushing to beat the deadline, others argue that it may not make a significant difference, as people will still crowd the highways regardless of the deadline.
Ultimately, solving traffic congestion requires a multifaceted approach. Besides implementing a fixed mileage for free on highways, other potential solutions include incentivizing drivers to avoid peak hours, exploring the use of congestion charges combined with flexible holiday schedules, and improving public transportation. By considering a combination of these measures, policymakers can work towards creating a more streamlined, equitable, and environmentally conscious transportation network. The proposal to allocate a fixed amount of free mileage to each vehicle is a step in the right direction, but its implementation and effectiveness will depend on careful consideration of the potential challenges and benefits.
