A Beijing driver who was fined 100 yuan (US$12.3) for driving his 1.0-litre Xiali on Chang'an Avenue filed a lawsuit against the local traffic management agency because he thought the punishment was against law.

The Xicheng People's Court received the lawsuit last week, the first case of its kind since 1998.

But the Traffic Management Branch of Xicheng District argued that the fine was made according to a local regulation that took effect in December 1998.

The regulation stipulates that compact cars with 1.0-litre or lower engines are not allowed to go on the Chang'an Avenue from 7 am to 8 pm.

Li Jinsong, the driver's lawyer, said the regulation, which contains implications of discrimination against compact cars, hampers citizens' right of way and runs counter to the law.

A number of cities in China have adopted similar restrictive measures like Beijing citing traffic jams and the poor image of compact cars.

Amidst nationwide outcries against such limitations, the lawsuit in Beijing is expected to have widespread impact, making related government departments rethink the feasibility of the ban, said Liu Shen, a professor with the China University of Political Science and Law.

Yin Jiaxu, president of Chang'an Motor Corp, China's biggest minivan maker, warns of an energy crisis brought on by low-emission vehicles limitations.

Source: China Daily