Lin Huiying (Southern Metropolis Daily): Car-related pollution will not drop if car owners pay for gas emissions.

Such emission is the major source of fine particulate matter. We all hope to breathe cleaner air and live under a blue and clean sky. As for how to reduce pollution and save energy, there is a lot to be done to improve the situation in China's auto industry. Here, the sector tends to stress oil consumption statistics, but seldom announce figures on the discharge of carbon dioxide. In Europe, however, when an auto company issues all kinds of parameters for new types, the discharge of carbon dioxide per 100 km will be announced accordingly, reminding car users of environmental protection while enjoying driving comfort.

Another thing that can be done to reduce pollution is to improve the quality of gasoline and diesel. This may be a better choice in air pollution reduction. It's hoped that before authorities work out certain fee policies, they first spend some time finding out the key to the problem.

Li Xiumin (Southern Metropolis Daily): There are successful examples of such charges curbing auto exhaust emissions in other cities, including New York and London. When it comes to China, we still have to ask the question: Is it necessary to charge a pollutant discharge fee, and to what extent will it help reduce pollution? And if so, what scheme is acceptable?

In a recent online survey, 76.7 percent participants said the fee charge is unreasonable, with only 5 percent agreeing it would "help to effectively reduce exhaust emissions."

Actually, if a city wants to reduce air pollution, the fundamental way is to adjust current policies concerning the auto industry, ensure excellent urban planning and develop a convenient public transportation system. To feed cars more environmentally friendly petroleum is also very important.

It's necessary to listen to car users on pollutant discharge fee collection, as they might have practical suggestions and advice. Even if the economic leverage is employed to cut auto-related pollution, there should be a fair standard.

Xiao Yong (www.jschina.com.cn): City dwellers are seriously affected by air pollution caused by auto exhaust emissions. Thus, those who do not use cars will mostly support the new fee charge. Although compared to several years ago, exhaust emissions have been somewhat reduced, it remains the major pollution source in big cities. Unfortunately, while the auto industry has developed as one of the pillar industries in China, regulations and laws on the management of this sector are comparatively outdated. The expansion of private cars on the streets, causing serious air pollution, is increasingly criticized.

Energy conservation and domestic demand stimulus are two targets in the process of China's economic development. However, now they appear opposed to each other. Are the two targets really conflicting? Actually, the fundamental purpose of economic development is to make people live better and in a cleaner environment. If we first pollute the environment, then try to fix it, we will pay a higher price.

The fee can not only curb the sharply rising momentum of private car purchase and use, thus reducing pressure on urban transportation as well as air pollution, but is also in the long-term interests of most people.

China's auto manufacturing industry is still a big source of pollution at a relatively low manufacturing level. Thus, a vehicle emission fee will help encourage auto companies to adjust and improve manufacturing methods to develop more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Email us at: zanjifang@bjreview.com