Paris enforced the most drastic traffic curbs in 20 years on Monday, fining almost 4,000 drivers who tried the dodge them, but stopping at a single day of restrictions as cooler weather brought relief from pollution, reports Reuters.
Transport chiefs made public transport free in the French capital, while drivers with even-numbered licence plates were told to leave their cars at home
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Last week's unseasonably hot and windless weather across western Europe left cooler air containing tiny particles from car emissions and other sources trapped under a warmer layer.
French policies to promote the use of diesel is seen as one factor why Paris is hit worse than other cities.
Some 700 police officers posted around the city fined 3,859 people for failing to respect the ban by mid-morning. Congestion was 60 percent lower than usual thanks to traffic volume that was down by a quarter, police said.
Car-sharing web site e-loue.com reported hundreds of requests to hire odd-numbered cars on Monday. A long list of exemptions from the ban included delivery drivers, taxis, and cars carrying at least three people, but the government hailed the move as a success.
"This is a public health problem ... we thank everyone who fell into line," Transport Minister Frederic Cuvillier said.
Drivers who defied the curbs were fined 22 euros ($31) on the spot. The anti-smog action is being implemented days before voters elect city hall mayors across the country in a two-round ballot on March 23 and 30. President Francois Hollande's ruling Socialists are seen retain control of the French capital.
Read more of this report from Reuters.