Area Traffic System to Limit CO2 Emissions

As early as next year, a traffic management system to set caps on passing vehicles and greenhouse gas emissions in certain areas will be introduced to reduce carbon dioxide levels.

Municipalities that stay under the emissions limit will receive incentives such as financial support. Those exceeding the limit will face higher taxes such as congestion charges.

From 2013, Korea is likely follow greenhouse gas emissions targets under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The Land, Transport and Maritime Affairs Ministry said yesterday that it plans to submit a bill on sustainable logistics development to the National Assembly in June and to implement it from next year.

To this end, the country will be divided into three areas: primary transport logistics area, or places near main arteries such as railways and highways; urban transport logistics area, or Seoul and other major cities; and local transport logistics area, or rural and fishery towns. Each area will be periodically evaluated for CO2 emissions.

daviskim@donga.com