Government agencies have been encouraged to stop using official vehicles one day a week based on their license plate numbers, according to a notification for an energy-saving and emissions reduction program to be implemented across the country.

Limiting private vehicle use according to plate numbers is a measure already introduced for private vehicles in some big cities in a bid to ease traffic congestion.

The new program, part of government efforts to protect the environment and promote sustainable development, includes official vehicles in traffic-control measures for the first time.