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Date Published: 04/12/2024

Murcia offers free public transport and halts construction work as air quality deteriorates

Murcia City Council has implemented several measures against Saharan dust pollution

The city of Murcia has activated level 3 of its Protocol for Atmospheric Pollution due to the massive influx of Saharan dust that has been affecting air quality for several days. Quite aside from making windows, patios and cars absolutely filthy, these dusty particles can pose health risks.

In response, the city council has put in place a series of measures to mitigate the impact of the pollution and protect its residents.

The most immediate protocols the council has initiated are a blanket ban on agricultural burning, free public transport on certain days and the suspension of all construction work to avoid adding any more pollution to the air.

This means that the demolition of the La Paz nursery buildings will come to a halt, and sweepers will be used to clean the area to prevent dust from being raised. Additionally, traffic will be closely monitored to prevent unnecessary congestion and reduce emissions.

Educational and sports centres have been asked to limit outdoor activities until conditions improve, while senior centres and day centres have been advised to take necessary precautions to protect their residents, who are considered high-risk groups.

To encourage the use of public transport and reduce the number of private vehicles entering the city centre, public transport will be free on the busiest days, including this Friday December 6, December 14 and January 5. These dates coincide with some of the most important events in the city's Christmas programme.

Information and monitoring

Residents should keep an eye on the usual official channels, such as the Murcia city council’s social media page and local news outlets, for updates regarding anti-air pollution measures.

All services involved, from the local police to street cleaning and civil protection, have been notified and are prepared to take necessary measures.

In the meantime, The Environmental Service will conduct specific monitoring of pollutant levels and their evolution, ensuring constant surveillance of air quality.

The city council will also work with the DGT to display informative messages on motorway screens and municipal screens, keeping citizens informed and up-to-date on the situation.

According to the council, Murcia responds more rapidly to rising air pollution levels than anywhere else in Spain.

“Murcia has one of the most advanced air quality protocols in Spain, higher than most large cities, with significantly low thresholds for activation,” a spokesperson said.

In this case, the air quality alert is due to “the intrusion of a mass of Saharan dust.”

In other news: Drought, floods and fires: How Murcia's weather is becoming more extreme

Image: Ayuntamiento de Murcia

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