Air Pollution Greece

Record air pollution and hot weather sent 211 Athenians to the hospital with respiratory and heart problems Wednesday, the Greek Environment Ministry said.

Authorities Monday imposed a three-month, morning-to-evening ban on all cars from Athens' historic center to reduce deadly air pollution, preserve ancient temples and make living in the Greek capital bearable again. The experimental ban on cars, motorbikes and taxis from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. covers about 0.7 square miles of the city. Athens is plagued by a nauseous mix of gases that threatens its 3.5 million inhabitants and priceless classical treasures.

Police arrested 34 taxi drivers on Monday for violating anti-pollution rules that ban half of the capital's 15,000 taxis from the city center each day. A spokesman for the cabbies said they intentionally entered the district to challenge the ban, which they dismiss as illegal. The ban is part of wide-ranging restrictions limiting traffic in Athens. The measures are aimed at dispelling smog that hangs over the city in calm weather.

Record air pollution and hot weather sent 211 Athenians to the hospital with respiratory and heart problems Wednesday, the Greek Environment Ministry said.

Emergency measures were enforced by the government in Athens on Tuesday as heavy smog enveloped the city and reached unacceptable levels, Greek state radio reported. Fuel consumption was cut by 30% in industries, central heating was shut down in state buildings and cars coming into the capital were restricted to those with even-numbered plates.

Authorities Monday imposed a three-month, morning-to-evening ban on all cars from Athens' historic center to reduce deadly air pollution, preserve ancient temples and make living in the Greek capital bearable again. The experimental ban on cars, motorbikes and taxis from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. covers about 0.7 square miles of the city. Athens is plagued by a nauseous mix of gases that threatens its 3.5 million inhabitants and priceless classical treasures.

If the International Olympic Committee has a sentimental bone in its collective body, the ancient city of Athens should win in a walk Tuesday when the members choose the site of the 1996 Summer Games. But in an era of broadcast contracts worth megabucks, mammoth national teams, and mushrooming security and environmental worries, will sentiment be enough to win the day?

Police arrested 34 taxi drivers on Monday for violating anti-pollution rules that ban half of the capital's 15,000 taxis from the city center each day. A spokesman for the cabbies said they intentionally entered the district to challenge the ban, which they dismiss as illegal. The ban is part of wide-ranging restrictions limiting traffic in Athens. The measures are aimed at dispelling smog that hangs over the city in calm weather.

Emergency measures were enforced by the government in Athens on Tuesday as heavy smog enveloped the city and reached unacceptable levels, Greek state radio reported. Fuel consumption was cut by 30% in industries, central heating was shut down in state buildings and cars coming into the capital were restricted to those with even-numbered plates.