Dear David This article points to a very rapid change in car engines quite soon now. I am sure you will agree with this quote from the article: "...the sooner diesel is stopped from poisoning our lungs with cancer-causing nitrous oxide, the better." And it's not just nitrous oxide. The chart showing the increase in diesel cars to 50% of total cars in Europe over past decades is truly shocking. I believe that was due to EU policy, and their belief in bad 'research' suggesting diesel was less polluting than petrol. Anyone with an ounce of common sense knew that was nonsense. I suspect that EU policy has done more to damage the health of European citizens than any amount of global warming. I wonder if the EU will ever admit its mistake and instigate an investigation into it's enormous blunder. Best wishes

David Fuller's view

Thanks for your informed comments on EU policy and the appalling levels of diesel pollution.  The nitrous oxide or nitrogen dioxide (N2O) problem has long been a serious concern for many of us.  The cause of this serious health hazard is mainly due to the naïve promotion of diesel, dating back to the mid-1990s, including giving it tax advantages.  Here is one of many articles available on the subject: The rise of diesel in Europe: the impact on health and pollution, from The Guardian.  

I noticed the effects of nitrous oxide in London over a decade ago, before I really knew anything about the problem.  It affected my nose, throat and lungs, problems which were much reduced after a week or more in the countryside.  I am even more concerned about the children and grandchildren, and at least some of us will be spending less time in London, in future, wonderful city though it is.