The Environmental Commission of the Megalopolis (CAMe) announced on Thursday the activation of Phase 1 of the environmental contingency due to ozone in the Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico (ZMVM), which implies significant restrictions for both private and cargo transportation sectors.
Maximum ozone concentrations reached high levels, registering 158 ppb at the Gustavo A. Madero (GAM) monitoring station, Mexico City. This phenomenon is due to the high-pressure system over the Valley of Mexico, which has generated intense atmospheric stability, combined with intense solar radiation and weak winds, resulting in the stagnation of ozone precursor pollutants.
As a measure to mitigate adverse health effects and reduce pollutant generation, CAMe reported that restrictions on vehicle circulation in the ZMVM have been established.
On Friday, May 10th, private vehicles with verification holograms 2, and those with verification holograms 1 whose last numerical digit is 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 0, must suspend their circulation from 5:00 to 22:00 hours. Also, holograms 0 and 00 with plate endings 9 and 0 (blue sticker).
Local or federal cargo vehicles will not circulate between 6:00 and 10:00 hours, except for those in the Self-Regulation Program of Mexico City and the State of Mexico.
Likewise, 50% of LPG delivery units without dry disconnect valves will have their circulation restricted, and local or federal cargo vehicles will not circulate between 6:00 and 10:00 hours, except for those in the Self-Regulation Program.
Exemptions are granted to electric and hybrid vehicles, those with eco-friendly license plates or exempt holograms, and vehicles destined for essential services such as medical emergencies, school transportation, and authorized waste and hazardous materials transportation.
These measures, in addition to protecting public health, aim to reduce pollutant emissions. Transporters are obliged to adjust their activities in accordance with these restrictions, which may affect mobility and operationality of the sector in the ZMVM.
Furthermore, the statement urged the population to contribute to emission reduction through actions such as facilitating and continuing remote work, as well as making purchases and transactions online to reduce travel.
Avoiding the use of products containing solvents, aerosols, air fresheners, paints, or
Refuel gasoline after 6:00 p.m. and before 10:00 a.m., and check and repair leaks in domestic gas installations.
Likewise, reduce the use of fuels at home by limiting shower time to a maximum of five minutes and using covered containers when cooking.
Suspension of activities that generate fugitive emissions into the air due to the use of solvents and coatings in businesses and services has also been ordered, as well as the suspension of activities in establishments that use firewood or charcoal as fuel and lack emission control equipment.
Additionally, restrictions will be implemented in a percentage of refueling stations, LP gas distribution plants, and service stations, with the aim of reducing pollutant emissions.
These measures imply significant adjustments in the operation of various commercial and service sectors in the ZMVM.
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