Seoul's government said Thursday it will financially reward motorists for reducing their driving mileage, staring this month, as part of efforts to fight fine dust pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.



According to the Seoul Metropolitan Government, the city's motorists will be paid a maximum of 70,000 won ($62) if they reduce their driving mileage by more than 3,000 km on an annual basis.





(Yonhap)



The reward will be given in the form of points, which can be used to pay local taxes or buy mobile gift certificates, it said, adding the new measure will take effect starting on April 17.



"The new reward system will be introduced to help reduce hazardous fine dust and greenhouse gas emissions," said a municipal official.



Anybody, who has an address registered in Seoul and owns a non-commercial passenger car or van with less than 12 seats, can apply for the benefit, he said, adding the earned points are valid for five years.



Motorists credited with reducing their mileage 5 to 10 percent, or 500 to 1,000 km, are given 20,000 points. The amount of points rises to 30,000 for those cutting mileage 10 to 20 percent, or 1,000 to 2,000 km. Reduction of 20 to 30 percent, or 2,000 to 3,000 km, will lead to 50,000 points, while a maximum of 70,000 points will be paid to those lowering mileage by over 30 percent or more than 3,000 km.



The government said motorists will be paid an additional 10,000 points annually if they keep their driving mileage at the reduced level in the following years. (Yonhap)