The measure, which will be re-evaluated on a daily basis depending on pollution levels, is a first in Spain. It is activated when levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide in the atmosphere go above 200 microgrammes per cubic metre in at least two measuring stations for two days running, and if the air is unlikely to clear imminently.
Of course, like we saw in Delhi, there are vehicles that are exempted from the ban, such as mopeds, hybrid cars, vehicles carrying three people or more, and vehicles used by disabled people. Buses, taxis and emergency vehicles are also exempted from the ban. The move to ban half of cars off the roads is level three out of four anti-pollution measures. Level four also bans taxis from the city, bar those using hybrid cars.
Deputy Mayor Marta Higueras told reporters, "It's not about traffic restrictions but about the important issue of public health. Lots of people suffer from breathing problems and are very affected by pollution." With 3.2 million residents and some 1.8 million cars, Madrid often suffers from bad bouts of pollution.
The measure implemented by the city hall, led by an alliance of leftist groups since 2015, sparked criticism from the conservative Popular Party (PP) which ruled Madrid for nearly a quarter century and governs at the national level. Inigo Henriquez de Luna, PP spokesman in Madrid's local parliament, slammed it as "ideological" and said authorities should do more to encourage residents to avoid using their cars rather than punish them. The anti-pollution measures were implemented by former PP mayor Ana Botella just before municipal elections in May 2015.
