Madrid begins vehicle bans for 1st time to fight pollution

Madrid's town hall hopes to sharply reduce pollution levels by limiting vehicle circulation for the first time, based on registration plate numbers.

Deputy Mayor Marta Higueras said that barring some exceptions, vehicles with plates ending in even numbers would not be allowed to circulate between 6.30 a.m. and 9 p.m. Thursday.

Other measures including a ban on street parking for non-residents and reduced speed limits were already in force Wednesday.

The town hall said it was applying the restrictions because of excess levels of nitrogen dioxide. It will review the restrictions Thursday.

AP