Macao's Civic and Municipal Affairs Bureau (IACM) will offer free safety inspection services for 500 vehicles next month, local media reported Tuesday.

The Macao Post quoted IACM sources as saying that the move aims to encourage drivers and riders to maintain their cars and motorbikes in "optimum conditions" all year long.

The free check-up, in conjunction with the University of Macao and Macao Institute of Engineers, will be launched on July 23 to 24 for 200 light vehicles, 100 heavy vehicles and 200 motor cycles,according to the newspaper.

It added that the IACM opened a hotline and a website for residents to get needed information.

Macao, a region with a population of around 460,000, is expected to have 150,000 vehicles next year, said the newspaper report.

(Xinhua News Agency June 7, 2005)