Rome and Milan have ordered no-car days to combat pollution, which has hit unhealthy levels for weeks mainly because no rain has fallen to wash away the smog.
Milan is banning cars, motorcycles and scooters for six hours a day over the next three days.
In Rome, cars with odd-numbered plates have been banned for nine hours on Monday. On Tuesday, cars with even-numbered plates will be restricted.
Rome also aims to reduce air pollution by encouraging citizens to use public transport and authorities have introduced a special "anti-smog" all-day public transport ticket for 1.50 euros ($1.65).
Experts say unusually calm and dry weather means that pollution is not being dispersed.
In Rome, cars deemed to be environmentally friendly, such as those with hybrid engines, are exempt from the ban.
With many Italians on holiday between Christmas and New Year, the measures were seen as largely symbolic and the authorities have been attacked for backing them up with only limited enforcement measures.
Air pollution contributed to 84,400 premature deaths in Italy in 2012, according to the latest report for the European Environment Agency. Of these 59,500 were attributed to elevated levels of fine dust particles in the air, the problem which has caused this week's alerts.
Announcing the ban last week, Milan Mayor Giuliano Pisapia appealed to all the city's municipalities to observe the three-day ban.
By Ruchi Singh
reporter
Park Sae-jin
swatchsjp@ajunews.com
