Choked Mexico City bans 1m cars in air pollution alert

(guardian-, 16 Mar 2016) Free public transport offered as city remains shrouded in muddy brown smog and officials consider suspending industrial activity.

Authorities have banned more than 1 million cars from the roads and offered free subway and bus rides to coax people from their vehicles as Mexico City’s first air pollution alert in 11 years stretched into a third day.

Officials advised people on Wednesday to limit outdoor activity owing to high ozone levels that were nearly double acceptable limits in the sprawling capital, which lies in a high-altitude valley ringed by smog-trapping volcanic mountains.

Amid a muddy brown haze, some residents covered their mouths with scarves or paper masks. The environment secretary, Alejandro Pacchiano, said measures would be considered if conditions did not improve further, such as suspending industrial activity at factories.

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guardian-, 16 Mar 2016: Choked Mexico City bans 1m cars in air pollution alert