A controversy has arisen regarding the Hainan provincial government's recent cancellation of privileged number plates for officers' cars.

According to the government, except for cars of members of the judicial and public security systems, all government cars will be registered with ordinary number plates before February 1, 2008, local newspaper Market News reported.

Some officers did abuse their privileges to violate the traffic rules and regulations, producing potential public safety hazards.

The move has been heralded by citizens and government officials. For most of them, it not only provides an opportunity to raise public awareness of the importance of obeying traffic rules, but also improves the civil servants' work style.

But many local netizens have questioned the effects of the move. They have concerned officers will still unscrupulously violate traffic laws after the move is launched, with less opportunity for public supervision.

Some experts applauded the government's resolution to build a clean image, claiming the cancellation will better standardize the behavior of civil servants and enhance law enforcement, as well as downplay bureaucracy.
 
(CRI December 24, 2007)