It is commonly believed by some that a car-free day is an efficacious way to reduce air pollution, while others think that this could have been done in more effective ways. I believe that a car-free day is not an effective way to reduce air pollution, but for our benefit we must act in more successful ways.
On the one hand, the car-free day is considered by many to be an effective way to decrease the air pollution rate because it is the easiest and immediate way. As a matter of fact, without complications through authorities’ laws that prevent cars from circulating on a specific day, it might take action and it might reduce the smog emission. For instance, Rome has had a car-free day limited to the historic center for almost two decades and since the last 5 years it was extended to all areas. Furthermore, during this long period scientists have noted a small decrease in the particles suspended in the air, in the smog over the buildings and the air was slightly cleaner than before and they have declared that this method is not effective in the short-term. For this evidence, I believe that the car-free day may need several years to be really effective.
On the other hand it is thought by some that there are other ways to tackle the air pollution problem that are more effective. It has been suggested to extend the car-free not only for a day but for a particular bustling area and for an entire year. This action is more complicated than the car-free day but, as datas have suggested, this could help to achieve a reduction of 50% of air pollution caused by smog and automobiles emissions worldwide. Another way to tackle the issue is to force industries to pay extra taxes for the high rate of air pollutants emissions such as ozone and carbon monoxide that are dangerous not only for the health system but also for the environment. If they cut these emissions, the impact will be effective on the reduction of air pollution with cleaner air and a minor rate of smog in the first 2 months.
In conclusion, even if some think that the car-free day has an effective reduction on air pollution, other ways are considered by many to be more efficacious. In my opinion, the polluters taxes and car-free areas are the most effective ways to tackle the air pollution problem.