Paris motorists face more traffic restrictions because of smog
Hundreds Police monitored traffic in Paris on Monday after high levels of pollution have prompted the French government to impose significant restrictions.
Only motorists with odd-numbered license plates were allowed to drive.
They will be allowed with these pairs of plates travel on Tuesday after the success of Monday's initiative led to lower pollution.
Ministers acted after the air pollution exceeded safe levels for five days running in Paris and its surroundings.
But the Ministry of Environment reported lower traffic levels throughout Monday and a change in weather conditions has significantly improved the smog that has descended upon Paris last week.
The smoggy conditions were caused by a combination of cold nights and warm days, which prevented pollution from dispersing.
It is not difficult to spot license plates pairs in the streets of Paris Many people seem to have decided to try our luck either they counted their journey was too important to cancel, or the risk of a 18 well 22 euro not enough not affect them.
But it seems that all Parisians play the game Most cars on the road are plated strange effect, and traffic seems lighter than usual vehicles means fewer particles, so presumably the measure has an effect .
It's hard to criticize a measure whose purpose is to protect people's health, but there are legitimate questions about the timing of alternating levels of pollution driving program peaked at the end of last week, and were already down So why now.
Paris could be the next weekend municipal elections may have nothing to do with her Surely not.
The measure was tried once, in 1997 the quality monitoring body of the Paris air Airparif said it has had a significant impact on improving air quality, although critics have questioned its findings.
Motorcycles were also covered by the ban, which lasted from 05 April 30 30 GMT to midnight There were exceptions for taxis, commercial electric and hybrid vehicles and for cars carrying three or more passengers.
violate the restrictions faced a small fine There was free parking for those with license plates ending with an even number.
Around 700 police officers ran nearly 180 checkpoints around the Paris region, correspondents say, distribute tickets to police offenders were reported to have ticketed nearly 4 000 people Monday noon, and 27 drivers had their cars pound for refusing to cooperate with agents.
delivery companies are already complaining of lost revenue, BBC Paris correspondent Hugh Schofield politically says the stakes are high, with elections for the mayor of Paris due to start next week.
image rights the AP drivers Image Caption offending pollution was fined and in some cases have their vehicles impounded.
Image Copyright Reuters Image Caption Drivers Monday were confronted with signs warning that those pairs license plates were not allowed on the roads.
opposition leader Jean-François Copé complained that the ban was inconsistent, explanation and in the field, it's really panic.
On Friday, public transport was free of charge for three days to try to encourage people to leave their cars at home This has continued on Monday.
The capital of the air quality was one of the worst on record, the French environmental agencies say, rivaling the Chinese capital, Beijing, one of the most polluted cities in the world.
Media Legend BBC Weather Matt Taylor explains how smog is formed.
On Friday, pollution levels have reached 180 micrograms of PM10 per cubic meter, more than double the 80 safety limit.
PM10 particles are emitted by vehicles, heating and heavy industrial systems.
Officials say one of the heavy rain would have more effect than a ban day.
Paris car ban after high pollution BBC News hits, Paris, pollution, high.