Milan limits daytime traffic to battle smog

Drivers in Milan will face a limit on daytime travel three days next week as the northern Italian city tries to bring air pollution down from dangerous levels.

No cars, motorcycles or scooters will be allowed on the streets of the city of 1.3 million inhabitants from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm (0900 to 1500 GMT) on Monday through Wednesday, city officials said.

Authorities also announced on Wednesday a special "anti-smog" ticket that allows people to ride public transport all day for 1.50 euros ($1.65).

A lack of rainfall has led pollution levels to climb in recent weeks.

That has prompted the administration of the Lombardy region, of which Milan is the capital, to appeal to localities to cancel traditional New Year fireworks displays to prevent the smog worsening.

The Italian capital Rome, which has on several occasions limited traffic, hopes that with schools on holiday that smog will decline over the coming days.