Trying to Clear the Air 2.0

Since September 21, when half the cars were taken off the roads for the Olympics and Paralympics ended, the smog of course returned.

But starting today Beijing re-introduced new car restrictions in a bid to appease both private car owners and those wanting to see blue skies again.

During the Olympics and Paralympics air quality in Beijing was the best it had seen in 10 years, and residents, mostly those who don't own four wheels, hoped the ban would continue. But it's not a permanent solution, as car owners would probably go out and buy another car.

However, with this new six-month trial period, it's hoped car owners won't be too burdened, as in theory they will only have to abandon using their cars once a week. But the system is quite complicated to remember, as today, cars with license plate numbers ending in a 1 or a 6 could not drive today. Tomorrow it's 2 and 7.

Nevertheless, this should help take 800,000 cars off the roads on weekdays (weekends are exempt) and prevent congestion, and in turn bring back blue skies.

This morning I took the bus to work and apart from an accident in an intersection -- a car crashing into a bus -- the ride was relatively smooth.

After work I took the taxi to race to the gym for a workout and I was there in about 15 minutes.

The air looks smoggy... despite clear light blue skies up above. Or is it fog?

Time will tell.