Italian cities fight smog

The smog cloud is hanging over Milan and other cities

Northern Italy have been hit by a pollution crisis, which has left smog hanging over dozens of towns and cities.

Smog - it's not raining, you can't breathe, there's no solution

L'Unita newspaper

Milan, Turin, Parma and Bologna, along with around 100 smaller towns, banned cars from central areas on Sunday in an attempt to clear the air.

The problem has been caused by weeks without rain, which has allowed the build-up of fumes. A cold snap over the same period has meant heavy use of heating fuel.

Sunday's car ban meant safe cycling - but most people wore masks

The pollution is so bad that parents have been urged not to take their babies out in pushchairs, and elderly people have been warned to stay indoors.

City authorities decided on Sunday to impose the one-day ban to try to reduce the level of pollution.

The president of Lombardy region, Roberto Formigoni, has announced a partial ban on cars, starting on Tuesday.

Drivers will be allowed into city centres on alternate days, depending on their car registration numbers.

Cyclists had the roads to themselves

Turin and other cities may also be forced to restrict traffic.

The Unita newspaper summed up the situation in its headline: "Smog - it's not raining, you can't breathe, there's no solution".

In Milan, the Sunday ban inspired many residents to venture out on bicycles and skates. But more than 1,200 drivers who tried to defy the ban were fined 65 euros ($57), reported the Italian news agency Ansa.

Church leaders, led by the Bishop of Turin, have been praying for rain. Forecasters believe there may be some before the end of the week.