Cars have been banned in the center of Rome on Sundays to help tackle the Italian capital's pollution problems.

The restrictions, ordered by the local government, are part of an overall plan to make the city more liveable and adhere to European emission standards.

It's part of an initiative called 'Ecological Sunday' , banning cars in the city's 'green belt', which includes the city center and railway ring, to reduce smog.

Included in that zone is the Appian Way, which dates to 312BC and is one of the oldest roads of ancient Rome.

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Sandro Bernardini runs horse-riding tours there and says that without everyday traffic, the historic thoroughfare can be enjoyed like years gone by.

"The ecological Sunday changes the rapport that both Romans and tourists have with the city because it allows them to explore areas that are normally inaccessible," he said.

Rome is one of the most populated cities in the world, with almost four-and-a-half million residents and 10-and-a-half million visitors each year. Consequently, its air pollution has reached concerning levels.

Barbara Luciani is a local Rome Police Commander involved in the project.

"The traffic in Rome has many consequences so we have introduced a series of measures to reduce cars and emissions," she said.

There are some exceptions to the car-free zones, such as electric and hybrid vehicles. Overall, police say residents are compliant.

"During last Sunday we only issued two sanctions out of 80 checks which is a significantly low number considering the number of cars in circulation in the city," Luciani added.

Environmental groups say the measures aim to bring the city in line with European standards.

"The ecological Sundays are a legal obligation for the cities that have 35 consecutive days of higher than allowed PM10 pollution values," said Roberto Scaccia, president of climate group Legambiente Lazio.

At this stage the initiative is due to come to an end on March 26 and then recommence next winter – but there are growing calls for the restrictions to be enforced every Sunday.

Environmentalists say a lot more needs to be done to battle the city's smog.

"There must be many other measures put in place. This initiative is just a third of the puzzle to improve air quality. We must combat the number of cars in circulation and boost public transport," said Scaccia.

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