Mexico City: Ozone Contingency Phase 1 Activated – Driving Restrictions
Mexico City is facing increased air pollution levels, prompting environmental authorities to activate the first phase of a contingency plan. The Comisión Ambiental de la Megalópolis (CAMe) reported a peak hourly ozone concentration of 155 ppb at 4:00 PM today, measured at the Centro de Ciencias de la Atmósfera (CCA) station in the Coyoacán district.
Ozone Levels and Atmospheric Conditions
The current situation stems from an unexpected intensification of an anticyclonic system previously forecast to move away from central Mexico. This system is now causing strong atmospheric stability, limited ventilation, and low humidity across the Zona Metropolitana del Valle de México (ZMVM). These conditions, combined with clear skies and maximum temperatures reaching 28 Celsius, are creating favorable conditions for ozone formation and accumulation.
Vehicle Restrictions
CAMe has announced vehicle restrictions beginning tomorrow, Friday, February 13th, from 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Vehicles with verification holograms 1 and 2 are affected, specifically those with a final numeric digit of 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, or 0. Vehicles with holograms 0 and 00, with a blue sticker and a plate ending in 9 or 0, are also subject to these restrictions.
Vehicles without a verification hologram – including older models, demonstration vehicles, new cars, those with tourist passes, out-of-state plates, or plates consisting solely of letters – will face the same restrictions as vehicles with a hologram 2. Restrictions also apply to 50% of LP gas delivery trucks without dry disconnect valves and with a plate ending in NON.
Exemptions and Alternative Transportation
Certain vehicles are exempt from the restrictions, including electric and hybrid vehicles, those with an ecological sticker or exempt hologram, and vehicles with hologram “0” or “00” with a non-blue sticker and a plate ending in 9 or 0. Vehicles used in urgent medical emergencies are also exempt. Taxis are permitted to operate between 5:00 AM and 10:00 AM on restricted days, regardless of their hologram, to support public transportation.
Urban service vehicles used for emergencies, medical services, health, public safety, fire departments, rescue operations, civil protection, environmental monitoring, and water supply are also exempt.
Health Recommendations
CAMe recommends that the public avoid exposure to peak pollution levels between 1:00 PM and 7:00 PM, particularly infants, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with respiratory or cardiovascular diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggers the contingency plan?
The contingency plan is activated when a peak hourly ozone concentration reaches 155 ppb, as measured by the monitoring stations in the region.
Which vehicles are restricted from circulating?
Vehicles with holograms 1 and 2 (with specific digit restrictions), those with holograms 0 and 00 with a blue sticker and plate ending in 9 or 0, and vehicles without a hologram are restricted.
Are there any exceptions to the vehicle restrictions?
Yes, exemptions include electric and hybrid vehicles, those with ecological stickers, vehicles used for urgent medical emergencies, taxis during specific hours, and certain urban service vehicles.
How might these restrictions impact daily commutes and air quality in the coming days?