Governmental responses to air pollution: summary of a study of the implementation of rodizio in Sao Paulo

This paper describes the "rodizio" programme in Sao Paulo which hers sought to reduce air pollution by banning the use of every car for one day a week . After summarizing the serious problems that Sao Paulo faces from air poll ution and the extent to which these are generated by motor vehicles, it des cribes the difficulties the city authorities faced in getting approval for this programme, including opposition of the press. However; it has still be en implemented - for a month in 1996 and for the period June-September in 1 997 and 1998 - and accompanied by ct large information programme. Its imple mentation brought significant reductions in some air pollutants and reduced traffic congestion. It also received considerable public support. The pape r ends by reflecting on this experience in the light of the need for city a uthorities to increase information about environmental risks and ensure dem ocratic interaction between local government and citizenry about environmen tal priorities.