Athens Bans Vehicles in City Center Test

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. In the summer of 1988, about 800 people died of smog-related illness, and city authorities issue periodic smog alerts and warnings for people to stay indoors.