Beijing has raised its smog alert to the highest level for the first time.
The Chinese capital has issued a ‘red alert’ and has called for the closure of schools and for outdoor construction to cease.
Cars with odd and even number plates will only be allowed to drive on alternate days.
However, flights are continuing to operate for the time being and departures to London later today are scheduled to go ahead with only minor delays of 15 to 30 minutes.
Current pollution levels in the city are actually lower than they were last week, but the alert has been raised because of the smog expected in the next few days.
Authorities are expecting more than three days of severe smog.
China’s smog problems have been blamed for a downturn in international visitors to the country.
Many of Beijing’s famous landmarks have been hidden by smog, prompting pictures to be posted on social media of what tourists should be seeing.
Pictured here is Tiananmen Square
