Hi Eugene,

No, it’s nothing to do with the CO2 emissions (that’s where diesels are actually at their best) and everything to do with particulate matter and oxides of nitrogen (NOx). Those two are responsible for a lot of city centre pollution and bad air quality and are actually genuinely lethal if they become too prevalent causing cancer and all sorts of other nasty respiratory problems. It’s because of that that a lot of cities - Paris, Berlin and London foremost among them - are looking at banning diesel-engined cars from city centres. Paris’ ban is due to come into force from 2020. It doesn’t mean diesel cars will be banned entirely though. The problem lies with older diesels, especially in trucks, buses and taxis. Those with newer cars, especially those that conform to the current EuroVI emissions regulations, have nothing to fear - for now.