Public transport operators have begun to protest the government's decision to get rid of all vehicles that are more than 20 years old by mid-November 2001. The vehicles have begun flying black flags, and this form of protest will continue until 5 January. They also plan to submit a memorandum to the Prime Minister asking reconsideration of the decision. Should that fail to change things, transporters say, they'll enter phase two of the protest, which will include shutdowns in Kathmandu Valley and across the country. No dates have yet been given. If the government follows up with implementation, the streets will have 10-15,000 fewer vehicles by this time next year. Next on the hit list of the Ministry of Population and Environment (MOPE) are two-stroke motorcycles, which are said to number anywhere between 30-35,000.