Parts of western Europe are experiencing some of their worst pollution for several years.<br /><br /> In Paris air quality has been close to the highest alert level.<br /><br /> For only the fourth time in 20 years, the French capital has been restricting traffic via odd and even number plates.<br /><br /> Lyon is following suit for the first time from Friday – just as hundreds of thousands of visitors are expected in the French city for the annual Lights Festival. <br /><br /> But the amount of dangerous particles rising each day, households and industry have been asked to reduce emissions. As in Paris, public transport is to be made free.<br /><br /> “It does worry me a little, because I have a baby and I live in the city, so yes yes, I’m worried,” said one woman out walking in Lyon.<br /><br /> “It doesn’t bother me, I go on foot, I don’t travel by car but it is annoying for people who do drive,” a man added.<br /><br /> ⚠️ Due to high levels of #pollution, all public transport is free today in the #Paris region. https://t.co/jiMNU85CV5— Paris Je t'aime (@ParisJeTaime) December 8, 2016<br /> <br /><br /> Italy has the highest number of premature annual deaths from nitrogen dioxide, caused by diesel vehicles – according to the European Environment Agency.<br /><br /> The UK was second in the table published last month, which branded part of London Europe’s worst spot for the toxic gas – even though a toll system has been implemented for cars entering the city for over a decade.<br /><br /> Several parts of Belgium, including Brussels, have also seen a sharp rise in pollution levels linked to cars.<br /><br /> As elsewhere, weather conditions – a lack of wind combined with cold air sitting under a warmer layer – are trapping pollutants.<br /><br /> #Paris aujourd'hui. La preuve de la nécessité de réduire la place de la voiture en centre-ville #pollution pic.twitter.com/R10Tdu4o2Y— Anne Hidalgo (@Anne_Hidalgo) December 6, 2016<br />
