The Chinese central government should play a greater role in tackling traffic jams, air pollution and other problems related to urban transport, according to a World Bank report.

The report called on the government to strengthen its role in urban transport by devising new policies and rewarding good practices.

With more and more cars on the streets, large cities in China are increasingly suffering from traffic jams and poor air quality, said the bank.

Therefore, the incentives offered to the municipal governments should be improved to ensure due attention is paid to the environment and the quality of urban life, the bank said.

The local People's Congress - the local legislative body - should strengthen its role in monitoring the performance of the municipal government. It should represent the long-term interests of the urban residents, it continued.

The bank said the urban planning process should be reformed to ensure careful attention is given to land use in the long run and transport planning. A clear link between urban transport planning and financing should be established through the adoption of capital improvement plans.

Sustainable and transparent financing mechanisms should also be developed to enhance risk management, the report said.

It said healthy and efficient public transport systems should be developed through industry-level reform, which is central to improving urban transport.

Source: Xinhua