MEXICO CITY - On February 26, 2025, the Commission for Environmental Protection of the Megalopolis (CAMe) announced the activation of the first environmental contingency of the year due to alarming levels of ozone pollution detected across the Valley of Mexico. The alert was triggered after the concentration of ozone reached 157 parts per billion at the Tlalnepantla measurement station, surpassing established limits intended to protect public health.
The activation of the environmental contingency is not taken lightly. According to CAMe, these specific restrictions are aimed at mitigating the effects of pollution on vulnerable populations, particularly among children, the elderly, and individuals with pre-existing respiratory conditions.
For residents of Mexico City and the greater State of Mexico area, this means restrictions under the Doble Hoy No Circula program will be enforced on February 27. From 5:00 AM to 10:00 PM, vehicles with hologram verification number 2, as well as those with hologram 1 whose last digit is 0, 2, 4, 6, 8, and plates made solely of letters, will be prohibited from circulating. Similarly, vehicles bearing hologram 0 and 00 will face restrictions based on their plate endings of 9 and 0. This applies to all vehicles without verification holograms, including older models and those registered abroad.
Additional measures dictate restrictions for gas delivery vehicles lacking dry disconnect valves, limiting 50% of those units from circulating. Local and federal cargo vehicles will be barred from the roads between 6:00 AM and 10:00 AM, with exceptions for those participating in the city’s self-regulation program.
Public transportation is exempt from these restrictions, ensuring the efficient movement of citizens without the added strain from personal vehicle congestion. Taxis with hologram verification of 0, 1, or 2 will also be unable to operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on February 27, as part of the broader initiative to improve air quality.
While the immediate measures are aimed at addressing the current crisis, CAMe has assured residents of its commitment to continuously monitor air quality conditions. The contingency will remain active until ozone levels decline to safer thresholds, and there will be formal announcements from the agency when normal conditions resume.
Given the deteriorated air quality, citizens are being urged to take precautionary measures. Residents are advised to limit outdoor activities, particularly the young and elderly, and utilize public transportation whenever possible. "Avoid outdoor activities, especially for children, elderly, and those with respiratory illnesses," CAMe reported, reinforcing the importance of health and safety during this public health emergency.
This initiative reflects broader concerns about environmental health and air quality management amid increasing urban pollution. Ozone is produced through the reaction of sunlight with nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds, which are primarily emitted from vehicle exhaust and industrial activities. Such unfavorable conditions, paired with low wind speeds and rising temperatures, have exacerbated the pollution crisis seen during this time of year.
The Doble Hoy No Circula program has been established to address these very issues on various levels. On normal operational days, it typically functions under regulations to limit vehicle circulation based on odd and even plate numbers, yet exceptional conditions like these warrant stricter measures for public well-being.
Dependence on personal vehicles remains high; hence the push from environmental officials to encourage alternative transportation methods as air quality continues to decline. The public is urged to stay informed through official channels as adjustments to the regulation might evolve based on prevailing conditions.
The expectation among authorities is clear: The collaboration of residents plays a significant role in combating the pollution crisis, requiring community commitment to air preservation efforts.
While living under these restrictions can be inconvenient, it is hoped the proactive measures will yield healthier air conditions for all. The success of this contingency likely depends on public compliance and adaptive behaviors toward greener practices to contribute positively to the well-being of Mexico City’s residents.
With continuous vigilance, authorities aim to protect the health of citizens and improve air quality, emphasizing the necessity for everyone to participate actively in safeguarding the environment.