New cars are being put on the road in Chinese cities at an unprecedented rate, causing new traffic congestion challenges across the country.  Furthermore, Chinese cities are typically denser than their Western counterparts, the driving skills of newly licensed motorists are often poor, and illegally parked cars clog shoulders and sidewalks.  All of these factors give Beijing in particular the dubious distinction of the world’s worst commute.  They also add to the city’s traffic-related woes as smoggy skies hinder visibility and contribute to respiratory health issues for residents.

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