Rome, Milan cut traffic to curb pollution

Rome, Milan cut traffic to curb pollution

Tue Jan 27, 2:39 PM ET

ROME (AFP) - The Italian capital Rome as well as the industrial city of Milan and about 100 districts in northern Italy were declared off-limits to cars because of high pollution levels.

In Rome the ban was enforced from 0900 GMT to 1600 GMT. The measure was to have remained in effect until 1700 GMT but was cut short so that soccer fans could reach the Delle Alpi stadium in time to watch Inter Milan play Juventus. City authorities in Rome said they would launch a weekly four-hour restriction on motorists in the Italian capital as of Wednesday in an effort to fight pollution.

In Milan, cars were banned from the city centre from 0700 GMT to 1900 GMT. A similar restriction was enforced in Padua, Verona, Monza, Como and several other towns.

Environment Minister Altero Matteoli criticized the measure saying it would do little to combat the problem of pollution. "Having people walk from time to time is useless," he said. "That is why we have launched a long-term campaign to encourage people to used public transport."

For 10 weeks only cars with odd-numbered license plates will be allowed on the streets Wednesdays from 3:00 to 7:00 pm (1400 to 1800 GMT). Violators face a 68-euro (86-dollar) fine.

The ban does not apply to eco-friendly vehicles running on electric power, GPL or methane, or to motorbikes.

Critics said the measure was unlikely to considerably lower the level of pollution and called for more strict measures.

Traffic in central Rome has been restricted for years and only cars with special and costly permits that have to be renewed annually are allowed into the narrow streets of the city's historic centre.