The southern Polish mining city of Katowice has started testing a drone to pinpoint offenders who break anti-smog rules. The machine, supplied by the local Flytronic company, can analyse the chemical composition of smoke emitted from the chimneys of individual houses.
Local authorities hope that the eye in the sky will prove an effective tool for detecting sources of air pollution.
After the first hour of testing the drone, a city patrol force issued a PLN 500 (EUR 120, USD 150) fine to an offender using a banned type of fuel, the PAP news agency reported.
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Tackling air pollution
According to a report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), out of the 50 European cities most affected by smog, 33 are in Poland. The WHO estimates that around 50,000 Poles die every year due to illness caused by air pollution.
Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki declared in December that tackling air pollution would be one of his government’s priorities.
Morawiecki also announced that the 33 most affected cities would each gain their own dedicated programme aimed at reducing the impact of smog.
In addition, from July this year there will be further restrictions on inefficient stoves, one of the main causes of smog in Polish cities.
Source: Radio Poland