The provincial government released plans last year to reduce the number of rental cars on island roads. The plans hinge on voluntary participation by car rental companies, and that has been hard to come by. Mike Balfour reports.

Many local rental car companies agreed with the provincial office to participate voluntarily in the program to reduce the number of cars by the end of last year.

There was to be a reduction of 1,914 vehicles.

That's only 27 percent of the province's aim of 7,000.

Among the 1,914 cars, only 896 have been actually removed so far.

That's far below the province's expectations.

62 percent or 65 agencies out of 105 rental car businesses have pledged to join in the car reduction policy.

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62% of rental agencies take part, 2 major players don’t

Two of the leading rental agencies that run more than 2,000 cars haven't participated in the reduction effort, although the two agencies are required to reduce 1,500 vehicles to meet the province's goal.

The province revised the Jeju Special Act to introduce the rental car quota system in September last year.

But local businesses are not fully cooperating.

This is somewhat embarrassing for the provincial office.

The office has extended the reduction period and encouraged local agencies to join its effort.

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Administrative restrictions being reviewed

It is also considering restricting car operation, suspending subsidy and loan support or provision of electric vehicles to a business that refuses to join the program.

However, this could meet strong opposition and possible lawsuits from businesses.

The province is taking a cautious approach.

INTERVIEW
An Woo-jin / Director, Provincial traffic policy dept.
We're encouraging agencies to participate in the reduction effort, and we're trying to find ways for them to do so. The supply committee will meet in February.
인터뷰)안우진 제주특별자치도 교통정책과장
이행계획서를 제출하지 않은 업체에 대해서는 독려를 지속적으로 실시함은 물론 참여에 동참할 수 있는 방안을 마련해서 2월 중 수급조절위원회를 개최해서 결정이 나는대로...

The rental car quota system has been finally introduced after many failed attempts since 2008.

[Reporter] Mike Balfour
[Camera] Kim Seung-cheol

However, at the moment, the chances of success are looking slim, and it’s going to take a concerted effort by players to see a real change.

Mike Balfour, KCTV