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2014-03-16 08:01:27
Alternative driving days are being introduced in the French capital, Paris, in
an attempt to tackle dangerous levels of air pollution.
From Monday, drivers will only be able to use their vehicles every other day.
This is only the second time since 1997 that such a restriction has been
enforced.
The French government made the decision after air pollution exceeded safe
levels for five days running in Paris and surrounding areas.
Motorcycles will also be covered by the ban, which will allow only vehicles
with number plates terminating in an uneven digit to take to the roads,
beginning at 05:30 (04:30 GMT) on Monday.
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 will
continue on Monday.
The smoggy conditions have been caused by a combination of cold nights and warm
days, which have prevented pollution from dispersing.
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.
PM10 particulates are emitted by vehicles, heating systems and heavy industry.
The government will review pollution levels on Monday, before deciding whether
to extend the driving restrictions for longer.