• A controversial report that has helped to wipe the
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"green" sheen From diesel vehicles was published last week by a group of scientists studying urban air quality.
The group was commissioned by the Department of Environment to study the advantages of different fuels. It says diesel vehicles produce higher levels of nitrogen oxides—which cause bronchial problems—and particulates, which are suspected of causing cancer, than petrol engines fitted with catalytic converters.
Petrol engines generally emit more global warming gases, such as carbon dioxide.
However, one of the report's authors, John Hickman from the TRL, the Government's road research laboratory, says diesel is still best for long truck and car motorway journeys because of its superior fuel efficiency. "There's no absolutely correct answer. Each person needs to weigh up their own requirements," Hickman says.