New Mexico City smog alert orders 40 pct of cars off streets

Mexico City authorities have declared a new pollution alert and will require 40 per cent of cars to keep off the streets Tuesday.

Under a rule in effect through June, one-fifth of the city’s cars normally must stay at home on a weekday, with the day determined by license plate numbers. But on Monday, smog rose above 1 1/2 times acceptable limits, meaning another fifth of cars were ordered off the streets.

The alert marks the second time in less than a month that the alert level has been reached despite the temporary program aimed at improving the capital’s dirty air.

Before the rule was implemented last month, newer or cleaner cars were exempt from the one-day driving ban.

Authorities have pledged to come up with now, tougher vehicle emissions tests.

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