Milan, Rome ban cars over rising smog

Rome has banned every other car on Monday and Tuesday and in Milan, cars, motorbikes and scooters have been banished for six hours a day through Wednesday. Officials say the measures are aimed at lowering mounting pollution caused by a prolonged spell of unusually fine, dry weather.

In the Italian capital, cars with odd-numbered plates were ordered to stay off the roads from 7.30-12.30 am and 4.30-8.30 pm, while on Tuesday, owners of cars with even-numbered plates must leave them at home during these times.

Gas-guzzling SUV vehicles will be subject to a total ban, Rome’s commissioner Francesco Paolo Tronca said, announcing that on Tuesday he would unveil plans to boost ‘clean’ transport in the city.

Environmentally friendly cars, such as those with hybrid engines, are exempt from the traffic restrictions Rome. In Milan and the nearby northern town of Pavia, no cars will be allowed onto the roads between 10 am and 4pm for three days starting on Monday. Some 200 police officers were deployed in Milan to monitor traffic and drivers who ignore the ban face fines of up to 663 euros.

Naples is also limiting traffic. Only vehicles operating to Euro 4 emissions standards or higher are allowed circulate this week, officials said. Most Italians are on holiday till New Year, so the measures are seen as largely symbolic.