A proposed ban on motorcycles in the Shenzhen Special Economic Zone (SEZ) sparked heated debate at a public hearing Tuesday.

Speakers at the hearing, including scholars, residents and representatives from transport firms, were divided over whether a ban should be imposed on more than 50,000 motorbikes on the streets of the SEZ, which comprises Luohu, Futian, Nanshan and Yantian districts.

The Municipal People's Congress (MPC) is considering revising the traffic administration regulation that would include a motorbike ban. The views expressed at the hearing will be submitted to local lawmakers.

The proposed ban, which would take effect Jan. 1 if approved by the MPC, has triggered heated debate in Shenzhen.

Supporters of the ban blame motorbikes for the increasing number of fatal road accidents and snatch-and-run robberies.

Opponents argue that the ban would deprive residents of the right to select a motorbike as a means of transport.

Police should step up efforts in cracking down on road robberies and traffic violations instead of banning motorbikes, they say.

(Shenzhen Daily September 10, 2003)