Mexico: Driving restrictions in capital May 18 (air pollution) /update 2

Event

Due to high levels of air pollution, authorities have intensified driving restrictions in Mexico City and the surrounding Estado de México state for Thursday, May 18, as part of the “phase 1 contingency plan” initially implemented on May 16. All foreign-registered cars or cars without pollution rating stickers are banned from the roads from 05:00 until 11:00 (local time); cars with level “1” stickers and license plates ending in 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 9 as well as all cars with level “2” stickers are banned from the roads between 05:00 and 22:00.

These intensified driving restrictions are in addition to rotating driving restrictions permanently in place (the Hoy no circula program) in the region and could be extended or intensified in the coming days should conditions worsen.

On a health related note, this pollution could cause eye, nose, and throat irritation and aggravate cardiovascular and respiratory conditions (such as asthma). The government has advised vulnerable individuals to remain indoors as much as possible - particularly between 13:00 and 19:00 when pollution levels tend to peak - and to abstain from exercising outdoors. Such individuals include children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses.

Context

Due to high rates of air pollution, permanent driving restrictions are in place in the capital region. Outside periods of peak pollution, cars that are nine to 15 years old (level “1”) are banned from the streets between 05:00 and 22:00 one day per week as well as two Saturdays per month. Cars older than 15 years (level “2”) are banned one day per week and all Saturdays. All cars with foreign license plates, no matter what their model year, are also banned from the roads between 05:00 and 11:00 one day per week and all Saturdays. There are no driving restrictions on Sundays and there are no restrictions whatsoever for hybrid and electric vehicles as well as domestically registered cars eight years old or newer.

The current peak in ozone contamination is a result of a high-pressure front in a combination with high vehicle use, high temperatures, higher-than-normal solar radiation, and a lack of rain.

Advice

Individuals present in the Mexico City region are advised to adhere to all local legislation and to limit outdoor activities until the situation normalizes.