Driving by the numbers
This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2013, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If Utahns are serious about reducing air pollution during inversions, we've got to slash auto emissions.
How about this: During inversion emergencies (red days), only vehicles whose license-plate numbers end with even-numbered digits would be allowed to travel on even-numbered days. Only vehicles with odd-numbered plates could drive on odd days. Vanity plates beginning with letters A-M could only drive on even days; others on odd days. Commercial, hybrid and electric vehicles would be exempt.
Daytime office workers could carpool or take transit, but this scheme would place a hardship on students who work part-time and others who work irregular or unusual hours. Any suggestions?
Paul S. Wetzel
Salt Lake City