As ozone levels surpass healthy limits across the country, the authorities are urging residents to stay out of their cars and off their motorcycles.
© Veerathada Khaipet | Dreamstime.com
The governments of Geneva and Vaud both issued statements calling on residents not to drive in a bid to combat ozone pollution.
A sharp rise in ozone, a pollutant that can cause health problems, has prompted the authorities to ask drivers to take public transport rather than use their cars or motorcycles.
Tomorrow, Geneva is offering discounts on tickets on public transport in a bid to combat the problem. Vaud is offering CHF 20 off a two month half price ticket, something that appears to be targeted at those who rarely use public transport.
Geneva recommends drivers reduce their speed to 80km/h on Geneva’s motorway bypass to protect the health of residents in a vulnerable state.
Currently, the worst ozone levels are in the cities of Basel and Geneva. The healthy limit is 100 µg/m3, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). Levels in Basel and Geneva are currently above 180 µg/m3. In Zurich they are above 140 µg/m3 and in Lausanne above 130 µg/m3.
Excessive ozone in the air can have a marked effect on human health. It can cause breathing problems, trigger asthma, reduce lung function and cause lung diseases, according to WHO.
More on this:
Map of Swiss ozone levels (in French) – Take a 5 minute French test now
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