The Indian capital, Delhi, has begun a second round of car rationing, aimed at curbing high pollution levels.

Private cars with even and odd number plates would only be allowed on alternate days from 15 to 30 April, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said.

Those who violate the scheme will be fined 2,000 rupees and the government has appointed a special task force to look into complaints of violations.

Like the last time, emergency vehicles like ambulances, police cars, fire engines and taxis are exempt from the campaign.

Single women and two-wheelers are also allowed to drive every day.

Delhi has 8.5 million vehicles and with car sales soaring in India, 1,400 extra cars are added to the capital’s streets every day.

What exactly is the odd-even vehicle rule?

The AAP cabinet announced private vehicles will be allowed to run across the city based on their registration numbers. For example, if a vehicle’s registration number ends with an odd digit, it will be allowed on the road on January 1, while that ending with an even number can be driven on the second, and so on.

This step has been taken as a measure to bring down and control pollution in Delhi.

Where did it come from?

This system was implemented in Beijing in 2008 just before the summer Olympics. While the rule was initially said to be temporary, it turned out to be so effective the government made it permanent.