Pollution levels in Italy's business capital have exceeded levels considered healthy for more than 30 consecutive days.
As a result, city officials banned private cars from 10am until 4pm from Monday until Wednesday this week, with steep fines for motorists who flouted the rules.
Rome, which also has a problem with persistent fog, has enforced alternative day driving based on odd and even numbers on vehicle licence plates, while Florence has also announced a limit on vehicle access to the city centre up until New Year's Eve.
Critics have said the measures do not go far enough, with some calling for more incentives for people to use public transport, the shutting off of school heating systems during the winter holidays and asking people to turn down their heating.
Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia said the move was a necessary response to an emergency situation.
Maran, the city's transport official, said: "The ban underway has been, I would say, well respected.
"In the meantime, it has to be said that the city has a magical atmosphere experienced on foot, bicycle and with public transport."
A lack of rain and low winds has exacerbated pollution levels in Italy, particularly in the largely land-locked industrial Po River Valley, where at least 10 cities have limited vehicle traffic.
The car ban in Milan falls during a holiday week and is boosted by a measure which allows passengers on public transport to travel all day for €1.50.
Health officials have said vehicle emissions account for half of the pollution in Milan, and 70% in Rome.
No comments:
Post a Comment