China officially overtook the US to become the world's largest car market in 2009, when over 13 million cars were sold in the country. Yet, compared to many other countries, China still has a relatively low per-capita car ownership rate.

This hasn't stopped local drivers from creating havoc on the country's roads though. As anyone who's spent time in urban areas knows, traffic jams and auto emissions are serious issues. Transportation authorities and city planners have tried to address these problems with various measures, including limitations on automobile sales and registrations, as well as the introduction of "congestion" fees.

But China is facing a huge dilemma: how can the country balance infrastructure constraints and environmental protection with the development of its automotive industry?

Authorities can start by updating traffic management systems. Furthermore, planners need to realize that vehicles are not the only culprits behind China's mounting pollution woes.

The author is Li Hainan, a commentator.