German Chancellor Angela Merkel says the federal government will provide €1 billion to cities and towns across the country in 2018. The move is part of efforts to make traffic more environmentally friendly. The funds are to be invested among other things into electric buses, electric charging stations and a more environmentally-friendly traffic infrastructure in finding traffic solutions to lower air pollution. Many cities in Germany face driving bans because the air pollution is frequently above the allowed maximum levels due to the many cars’ exhaust fumes, AP reports.