Preemptive Smog Measures Go into Force

New preemptive measures to reduce smog were implemented in the Seoul Metropolitan area for the first time on Wednesday.

Under a special law to fight fine dust pollution that went into effect last week, the measures are implemented when the average level of ultrafine particles (PM2.5) is moderate on the day but is forecast to be bad the following two days.

The Environment Ministry said Tuesday that it would take the preliminary measures in Seoul, Incheon and Gyeonggi Province from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Wednesday because the conditions were met.

That means 527,000 workers at 7,408 government agencies and public companies can only drive their cars on alternate days depending on number plates.

Others will not be affected by the measures. Unlike under emergency measures, no warning messages are sent, and there are no restrictions on normal cars. Public parking lots also stay open.