driving restrictions

After the gas problems of last week, this week it is smog problems. Apparently Budapest has too much smog and pollution. In order to combat this, they have issued a "smog alert," which means that not all cars can drive whenever they want. Cars with even-numbered license plates can drives on even dates, and cars with odd-numbered license plates can drive on odd dates. I guess the smog over the city was thickened by power stations that had switched from gas to oil amid the ongoing gas supply crisis.

This alert is part of following the EU's air pollution guidelines. However, there is no law that says you can't drive on the opposite days, so this is something they are urging but can't fine you or do anything to you if you don't obey it. Kind of defeats the purpose, doesn't it? Oh well. I am a rule follower, so I will abide.

And about the gas dispute with Russia and Ukraine, well, I read today that Russia will turn the gas back on tomorrow for all of the European countries needing it. It will take more than 24 hours, though, for it to reach the countries. Hungary is being listed as one of the countries worst hit. Apparently we were using reserves. Praise the Lord we had enough!