Beijing’s choking smog hits red-alert level for first time ever as schools and factories are forced to close

Second stretch of high pollution to hit Beijing as school students forced inside

Reading Time:2 minutes

A woman wearing a protective mask against smog poses for photos at the Temple of Heaven Park in Beijing. Photo: EPA

Published: 9:15pm, 7 Dec 2015Updated: 2:59pm, 12 Jan 2018

Beijing issued its first red alert for smog on Monday night as the capital was hit by hazardous levels of pollution for the second time within a week.

The alert – the highest in a four-level system – will be in place from 7am on Tuesday until noon on Thursday.

A man wearing a mask uses his mobile phone amid heavy smog after the city issued its first ever "red alert" for air pollution, in Beijing. Photo: Simon Song

Beijing has ordered primary and secondary schools to close and recommended government departments, public institutions and companies to implement flexible working hours.

READ MORE: Beijing air pollution: black humour and satire as capital is shrouded yet again in thick smog

It means traffic will be heavily controlled. Car usage will be limited based on the last number of the vehicle’s licence plate – odd and even numbers will be allowed on the roads on alternate days. Government departments will be required to reduce car usage by 30 per cent.

Public transport will run on extended timetables, while heavy construction trucks will be banned from the road.

A building and a large screen are seen through tick smog in Beijing. Photo: Reuters

All outdoor construction will be suspended and factories will be required to close for two days or face operating restrictions.

Firework displays and barbecues are also prohibited.

The smog is expected to reach its highest level on Wednesday.