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Paris car ban starts after pollution hits high | |
(about 11 hours later) | |
Hundreds of police are monitoring traffic in Paris after pollution levels prompted the French government to impose major restrictions. | |
Only motorists whose cars have odd-numbered registration plates are allowed to drive. | |
On Tuesday, if the restrictions remain in place, it will be the turn of those with even-numbered plates. | On Tuesday, if the restrictions remain in place, it will be the turn of those with even-numbered plates. |
Ministers acted after air pollution exceeded safe levels for five days running in Paris and surrounding areas. | Ministers acted after air pollution exceeded safe levels for five days running in Paris and surrounding areas. |
The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing. | The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing. |
The measure has been tried once before, in 1997. Paris air quality monitoring body Airparif says it had a noticeable impact on improving air quality, although critics have disputed its findings. | The measure has been tried once before, in 1997. Paris air quality monitoring body Airparif says it had a noticeable impact on improving air quality, although critics have disputed its findings. |
Motorcycles are also covered by the ban, which runs from 05:30 (04:30 GMT) to midnight on Monday. There are exceptions for electric and hybrid vehicles, and for cars carrying three or more passengers. | |
Those flouting the restrictions will face a small fine although there will be free parking for those with number-plates ending in an even number. | Those flouting the restrictions will face a small fine although there will be free parking for those with number-plates ending in an even number. |
Delivery companies are already complaining of lost income, BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield says. Politically the stakes are high, with elections for Paris mayor due to start next week. | Delivery companies are already complaining of lost income, BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield says. Politically the stakes are high, with elections for Paris mayor due to start next week. |
Opposition leader Jean-Francois Cope complained that the ban "lacks coherence, explanation and on the ground it's really panic". | Opposition leader Jean-Francois Cope complained that the ban "lacks coherence, explanation and on the ground it's really panic". |
On Friday, public transport was made free of charge for three days in an attempt to encourage people to leave their cars at home. This measure continued on Monday. | |
The capital's air quality has been one of the worst on record, French environmental agencies say, rivalling the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the world's most polluted cities. | The capital's air quality has been one of the worst on record, French environmental agencies say, rivalling the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the world's most polluted cities. |
On Friday, pollution levels hit 180 microgrammes of PM10 particulates per cubic metre, more than double the safe limit of 80. | On Friday, pollution levels hit 180 microgrammes of PM10 particulates per cubic metre, more than double the safe limit of 80. |
PM10 particulates are emitted by vehicles, heating systems and heavy industry. | PM10 particulates are emitted by vehicles, heating systems and heavy industry. |
Pollution levels were said to have fallen on Sunday but were expected to rise again on Monday. | Pollution levels were said to have fallen on Sunday but were expected to rise again on Monday. |
The government is to review pollution levels again, before deciding whether to extend the driving restrictions for longer. | The government is to review pollution levels again, before deciding whether to extend the driving restrictions for longer. |
Officials say one heavy rainfall would have more effect than a one-day ban. | Officials say one heavy rainfall would have more effect than a one-day ban. |