US Embassy supports Delhi govt’s odd-even plan

The US Embassy here has come out in support of the Kejriwal government’s odd and even number car formula, saying it will comply with the restrictions despite exemption to vehicles with diplomatic number plates.

Noting that the Delhi government’s plan was an effort to confront the city’s severe air pollution problems, the Embassy in a statement said although vehicles with diplomatic plates are officially exempt from this policy, it will take the measures in support of efforts to reduce air pollution.

“For the duration of the policy, official Embassy New Delhi vehicles will comply, to the degree possible, with the odd/even restrictions.

“American employees are strongly encouraged to voluntarily cooperate with the odd/even policy. Many American diplomats will be carpooling or travelling by public transportation,” the Embassy said.

It has also advised their supervisors to be flexible regarding transportation-induced delays.

Starting January 1, 2016, the odd and even car number formula will be applied here on a trial basis for 15 days with an aim to curb pollution in the national capital.

Vehicles with diplomatic number plates are among the 25 categories which have been exempted from the formula. Others which are exempted include two-wheelers, those on way to hospital for medical emergency (carrying proof), vehicles of physically challenged and emergency vehicles —— ambulance, fire, hospital, prison, hearse, enforcement vehicles.