Beijing cracks down on barbecues in bid to tackle smog

The city’s acting mayor, Cai Qi, said a new environmental police squad will root out illegal burning by targeting barbecues, rubbish incineration and the burning of wood.

Mr Cai announced several other measures, including cutting down coal by 30% in 2017 and shutting down 500 higher-polluting factories and upgrading 2,500 more.Up to 300,000 high-pollution vehicles will also be restricted from entering the city starting next month, he said.

At the moment, Beijing and dozens of other cities in China are covered in thick, grey fog with air pollution levels exceeding the World Health Organisation guidelines.