Restricting Car Access to Athens

A solution to local atmospheric pollution?

Athens lies in a bowl-shaped valley. When there are light winds, a humid atmosphere and
sunshine, the levels of atmospheric pollution can soar to dangerous heights. The major cause
of this chemical smog is the emission of exhaust fumes.
The solution the Grees have adopted is one of restricting the use of vehicles in the city.
The restrictions are of two levels of severity. The more severe ones apply on !ondays to
"ridays when there is a chemical smog emergency, typically two or three times a month# the
less severe ones apply on all other !ondays to "ridays.
The city is divided into an inner $one and an outer $one. The levels of various pollutants
%such as nitrogen dioxide and o$one& are constantly monitored by the city authorities, and
when they reach certain critical levels a smog emergency is declared on radio, television and in
the press.
'uring an emergency, all cars and half the taxis are banned from use in the inner $one. (n
even-numbered dates only taxis with an even-numbered registration can operate in the inner
$one# on odd-numbered dates only those with an odd-numbered registration can operate. )n
the outer $one, all taxis can operate, but only cars with an even-numbered registration can be
driven on even-numbered dates and those with an odd-numbered registration on odd-
numbered dates. The police chec on cars entering the $ones and turn away those not allowed.
The drivers of cars being used illegally in the $ones are fined.
When an emergency is not in force, restrictions apply only to the inner $one. The even-
numbered*odd-numbered registration restrictions apply to cars, but not to taxis.
The measures are successful in one respect+ very few cars are driven illegally in the $ones
%and it is not possible to have two number plates for the same car,&. -ut many commuters
have resorted to owning two cars+ one with an even-numbered plate and one with an odd-
numbered one. The authorities even help in this by allowing people to re.uest an even- or odd-
numbered registration.
Question
1. Compare the relative advantages and disadvantages of these measures with those of
charging people to come into the zones.