Paris has imposed a partial driving ban on Monday and made public transport free for all, as part of an emergency measure to combat air pollution. 

All vehicles with license plates ending in even numbers are not allowed to ply the city's streets to help reduce the smog. Electric or hybrid vehicles are not covered by the partial ban.

Like Us on Facebook

Just last week, monitoring company called Plume Labs, named Paris as the city with the world's dirtiest air.

French officials and local authorities in Paris struggle as they tackle and debate on how to deal with air's harmful particles reaching dangerous levels.

Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo had planned to impose the driving ban as early as last week, after lack of wind and cold nights aggravated and helped bring up pollution levels. However, other officials opposed the ban, saying it may hamper Sunday's local elections. 

Paris' air pollution index had hit 127 for a few hours last week, dethroning New Delhi and Beijing as world's most polluted cities.

Motorists were ordered to follow a maximum speed limit of 20 kilometers per hour to lessen the emission of dangerous micro particles. Those caught violating the ban will face €22 (£16) fine and see their vehicles impounded.

Aside from electric and hybrid vehicles, those carrying at least three people were also exempted from the ban. 

Over 700 policemen were deployed in the city's streets to ensure the public abides by the rules. Many were reportedly apprehended, arguing that they have not seen the news. 

The ban will be lifted Tuesday, as winds are predicted to pick up.

Air pollution had been a serious problem in France in recent years.  It has been so bad that the city's pride --- the Eiffel Tower --- is frequently covered under a smoggy haze. 

Paris imposed similar measures in March 17 last year, when smog had also reached alarming levels.   While the measure saw a significant drop in pollution levels, environment officials said a more global response was needed to fight air pollution. 

Tagsdriving ban, Eiffel Tower, Paris, paris pollution