French authorities issue new alerts as high pollution levels persist

French authorities issued Friday new alerts as high pollution levels persist across the country. The authorities in Paris and several other cities and major towns said that public transport on Friday and through the weekend would be free to encourage people to leave cars at home. Already on Thursday, the Paris City Hall said that rental bikes and electric cars would be free for use until pollution levels drop. High pollution levels hit almost one third of France again Friday as unusually high temperatures coincided with lack of wind and cool nights to produce dangerous micro-particles likely to cause health problems for younger or older people and those with respiratory problems. Diesel vehicles, which are very prevalent in France, are being blamed for contributing largely to the rise in atmospheric pollution and the micro-particles that are difficult to filter. Temperatures were breaking seasonal records for March in a number of areas. In Paris, national weather office "Meteo France" said temperatures should rise to above 18-19 degrees Celsius again on Friday and above 20-21 degrees Celsius in the south. People with respiratory problems or other related frailties have been advised to stay indoors and not to exert themselves. Similar advice has been given to young children and older people