Paris has lifted its car ban after just one day in operation as pollution in the city falls back below safe limits.
The ban, which was instigated yesterday, saw drivers with even-numbered registration plates banned from entering the French capital, with the initial plan for drivers with odd-numbered registration plates to be banned today.
However, after just one day, and with police issuing almost 4,000 fines to those choosing to flout the rules, the restrictions have been lifted.
The ban was brought about after levels of particulate PM10, which is emitted by diesel exhaust and industrial emissions, peaked last week at 180 microgrammes -- more than double the safe limit of 80 microgrammes.
But cooling weather conditions, along with the ban, are thought to have led to the dispersal of the smog.
Ecology minister Philippe Martin thanked the residents of Paris as he announced the end of the ban, adding that 90 per cent of Parisians had abided by the restrictions.
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