Scofflaws face blacklist in Guangzhou for ignoring regulations

The city government of Guangzhou, Guangdong province, has passed a draft regulation that aims to blacklist tax dodgers, passengers who hog seats on high-speed trains and other scofflaws.

Under the draft, people would be penalized if they delay paying utility bills, disrupt normal operation of hospitals or cheat on examinations organized by the city.

The city reviewed and passed the draft credit information regulation in an executive meeting to improve ethical standards in the city.

Those who commit fraud involving insurance, social security or pensions using fake documents or certificates, who use others' identity cards (or fake ones) to buy air and railway tickets and those who refuse to follow the rulings of courts and arbitrators, who obstruct public transport order or who affect bus safety would also be blacklisted.

In the nation's capital, the Beijing Municipal Commission of Transport is now soliciting public opinion on a draft rule aimed at railway scofflaws. Under the draft rules, fare dodgers, passengers who occupy others' seats or who smoke on board will be blacklisted.

The new rules aim to ensure orderly railway operations and a comfortable environment for passengers.

Experts, scholars and residents can comment on the proposed new rules before May 11.

Peng Peng, vice-chairman of the expert committee of the Guangdong-based South Non-Governmental Think-Tank, said the new personal credit system would help deter those who frequently violate laws and regulations.

"Those who have been blacklisted will be affected in doing business, seeking employment, applying for loans and being promoted," Peng told China Daily. "The new personal credit system will certainly help scofflaws mend their ways and correct their bad behavior."

He urged relevant departments to further promote and educate residents - not only urban residents but also those who are living in the rural areas and even starting from kindergarten - to be disciplined and obey the law to help build an honest, fair and modern society.

Many residents are also in favor of blacklisting those who violate laws and regulations.

Ji Shaobing, an office worker in Guangzhou, said he hoped the new personal credit system would help standardize personal behavior and ensure good social order.

"Meanwhile, relevant departments should increase the punishment for those who have violated laws and regulations," he said. "Compared with Singapore and even Hong Kong, the mainland's punishment of scofflaws is relatively light."

Ji, a business representative, said he really hated fare dodgers and those who occupy others' seats or smoke aboard trains. The bad behaviors undermine the safe operation of high-speed trains and the health of other passengers, he said.

Huang Jiewen contributed to this story.