Driver improvements on way in Shanghai

City traffic police are continuing on the streamline path, with another 10 improvements to aid motorists and the public beginning on Monday.

The move is part of a national initiative by the Ministry of Public Security.

The Shanghai General Team of Traffic police announced yesterday that one of the new policies will be good news for car owners who wish to retain the same plates after selling the vehicle.

This will apply for people who own a vehicle for three years or more.

The old practice required police to take back the plate after disposal of the cars.

Plate prices keep rising on the auction market and can sell for as much as 40,000 yuan (US$5,252).

Also from Monday traffic police will provide plate applicants with six numbers to make a choice from instead of two. Numbers will be automatically generated by computer.

"We simulated the process on the computer last Saturday to test the whole procedure and it was successful," said Wang Limin, head of the vehicle administration office under the traffic police.

The administration has also shortened the process of both registration and license issuance from five working days to two.