The cities of Warsaw and Kraków will on Monday provide commuters with free public transport in an attempt to battle high smog levels.

The city of Kielce is also participating in the programme.

Over recent days the smog level in the two major cities in Poland reached alarming levels.

All public transport in the first and second zones will be free throughout Monday.

“Due to the increased concentration of pollutants, on 9 January commuters in Warsaw will travel by public transport for free,” Warsaw City Hall wrote in a statement on Facebook, adding that the move is aimed at “fighting for clean air for Warsaw”.

Over the weekend authorities warned people against leaving their home in both Kraków and Warsaw due to the high level of pollutants in the air, which they explained were partly due to the recent cold weather conditions. (rg)