Traffic authorities in Beijing will set up an award mechanism for the city's 66,000 cabs, in an effort to encourage more drivers to carry passengers during bad weather, said China National Radio Sunday.

The plan is a response to a stream of complaints during the torrential rain that hit the city on July 21, when many taxi drivers stopped working or overcharged passengers.

Officials also said that any cab driver who refuses to carry passengers or overcharges them during the bad weather will be severely punished.

Cab drivers in Beijing refuse to work during bad weather as they are responsible for the cost of repairs should their cab be damaged.