Paris officials are seeking drastic measures to combat an alarming spike in air pollution that has turned the city’s skies a murky grey.

Mayor Anne Hidalgo called on the government to implement an emergency ban on around half of the car and truck traffic. Thursday was the third consecutive day that air pollution has registered far above European safety thresholds.

The measure was last taken a year ago during a previous peak in pollution. Hidalgo also called on regional transport authorities to make subways, trains and buses free for the day.

The city’s car and bike-sharing programmes yesterday also offered incentives to cut motor vehicle traffic in the city.

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