Nor is this the only area in which traffic police have failed to enforce the law. For example, we often see cars slow to a crawl when there are practically no vehicles ahead of them. Invariably, these drivers are making phone calls or reading text messages on their phones.

Police rarely stop these people. In fact, the police may be guilty themselves; we've seen people driving marked police cars making phone calls.

Closer to home, there are "no parking" signs on a section of the side street near where I live. Nevertheless, cars line up there every day because there is a popular market nearby. I don't understand why the police don't make a few more parking spaces available.

Once in a while, the police show up and a few cars are ticketed. Most days, however, the violators get off scot-free.

This sets a terrible precedent. When police ignore their duty, drivers feel they can ignore the law and drive as they please. The offense may be petty, but the damage to the rule of law is significant.

Public trust in the government's capability and efficiency is obviously a victim. It is no wonder that many of the laws and regulations to better manage the country's social development do not seem to work effectively.

Beijing fancies itself an international city, on a par with such cities as Tokyo and New York. To fulfill this ambition, however, Beijing must enforce its laws.

The author is Assistant Editor-in-Chief of China Daily. She can be reached at lixing@chinadaily.com.cn.