The General Staff of the People's Liberation Army (PLA) issued a policy governing the strict management on military vehicles at the end of last year. Regulation of military vehicle plates will be stricter, which I applaud as a career soldier.

In fact, China's military authorities have adopted some measures on managing military vehicles.

After I retired, I saw entry permits on official military cars in Beijing, which is the best example to be found among the previous efforts made so far.

However, military vehicles with such entry permits can sometimes be seen waiting outside schools, shopping malls, scenic spots or restaurants. Isn't this ironic?

It is quite necessary to carry out a comprehensive overhaul of military vehicle management.

People frequently see various military vehicles rapidly pass by in heavy traffic. As they are also seldom turned off when parked, these high-emission and government-paid vehicles have already caused public complaints, and consequently, severely affected the army's reputation and image.

For instance, Radio Beijing once mentioned a crowded crossroads where a military compound is situated, during a live broadcast.

In peacetime, soldiers enjoy benefits in terms of salary, allowance, housing and so on. But military vehicles should not be among these benefits, as they are only used for work, and never for private purposes. Retired soldiers must also give up their rights to these cars.

Because of support from local officials and residents, military vehicles are not charged when they pass highway tolls or bridges and are exempt from parking fees.

At a time when many cities are raising parking charges to tackle congestion, such special treatment is even more valuable.

In April 2012, He Guoqiang, former member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the CPC Central Committee and former secretary of the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection, stressed strict regulation of public service cars. What he stressed is also applicable to military vehicles.

First and foremost, the license plates of military vehicles must be strictly regulated.

Second, military vehicles should be strictly controlled in certain routes to fight, drill or do rescue and relief work, and never be run or parked in non-military areas.

Drivers of military vehicles should wear their uniform and carry military ID cards at all times.

And military vehicles must have distinctive markings.

Meanwhile, since meals for some military organizations or schools are contracted to local companies nowadays, vehicle maintenance can also work in this way.

It has been several years since I retired from the army. Now, I speak my mind out of care for the building of the PLA, and I hope my words can work as a reference for military vehicle management.

The author is a retired official from the Chinese army. opinion@globaltimes.com.cn