The Canton of Geneva will experiment with a Swiss first on Wednesday. Due to a peak in ozone pollution, public transport will be free throughout the cantonal territory, the territory department (DT) announced on Tuesday evening. Reinforced differentiated circulation is activated.
Except for exceptions, only vehicles with sticks 0, 1, 2 and 3 will be allowed to circulate from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. in the center of the canton, under penalty of fine. The Geneva bypass highway will be limited to 80 km/h.
This system will be renewed according to the evolution of the situation until the end of the pollution peak, said the department.
Reduction of nitrogen dioxide
Unable to act directly on ozone, these measures aim to reduce nitrogen dioxide, one of its main precursors. Director of the Cantonal Air Service, Aline Staub Spörri estimates that by prohibiting the most polluting vehicles, Geneva is expected to reduce nitrogen dioxide emissions from 20 to 25%.
The objective of the canton is to reduce the risk of health damage. Among the main symptoms are headache, asthma attacks and the decrease in respiratory functions, especially in young children, the elderly or with heart or respiratory disease.
The DT provides since 2020 that free transport is announced for the next day when an overtaking of the value of 180 μg/m3 of ozone is proven on the Geneva territory. This condition was filled on Tuesday at the Meyrin measurement station where it approached 230 μg/m3, also added the department.
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Edel with ATS
