Should Diesel Fuelled Vehicles Be Banned?

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2878488/Tiny-particles-diesel-engine-fumes-double-risk-autism-unborn-babies.html

We have read much about the effects of passive smoking, seen smoking banned in pubs and public places etc, now they are thinking of passing laws regarding to smoking in one's car if there are children present.

As a non smoker I am not saying that I disagree with these measures, but what I do disagree with is the hypocritical anti-smoking hysteria shown by some, when they think nothing of driving around in their diesel fuelled vehicles.

[sunny-dave]

I hear all the stuff that people say about new diesel engines meeting any/all emission regulations - just as I've heard it so many times over the years.

Even if (this time) it might (possibly) be true, it only applies to brand new engines in 'testbed' conditions.

Given a few months of real world use and the usual lack of care, they will be pumping out crud just like all the current diesels do - and the first MoT isn't until three years remember - so no checks on emissions until then.

To me the ultimate oxymoron is "Clean Diesel".

[EDDIE51]

TTT red diesel is tax free. About 65p a litre . So are you saying there should be 3 types of diesel? Red, normal for HGVs and high tax for private cars?.
How would that effect a self employed person who uses a diesel car for work and private use?

[DTCwordfan]

determined by the nozzle size, Eddie, perhaps. HGV Truck pumps have higher speed for pumping and larger nozzles.

[EDDIE51]

What about things like 'white vans' that can be private or commercial?
If you made different nozzle sizes , someone would have an adaptor on the market within hours.
Anyway there is already a 'price difference' as commercial buyers can claim the VAT back.

[SlackAlice]

///Even if (this time) it might (possibly) be true, it only applies to brand new engines in 'testbed' conditions. ///

That applies to all engines whether diesel or petrol. All engine emissions depend on maintenance of a high standard. I'm all for 'on the spot' test and requisite fines to 'remove' the offending vehicles.

I decided on a diesel for me, because of low Vehicle Excise Duty, good fuel economy for my lifestyle and use. Now, I'm getting pilloried for an apparently 'filthy' engine, how times change.

Before you ask, the same car with a petrol engine has the same VED rate and is about 30% less fuel efficient. The engine is just isn't as good either, I drove both before deciding.

Don't worry, those with petrol engines will be next in line for the 'treatment'. I can foresee anyone with a 1600cc engine or above getting heavily taxed for the privilege, much much more than they are now.

Hybrid/Electric may help for a few years as a stopgap, until such time as EV's get a better range on batteries. Also depends on more clean electric production and we are a long, long way from achieving that.

[ToraToraTora]

red diesel is not tax free it has less tax. It could be implemented possibly by allowing commercial users some sort rebate on their fuel costs so there would be no complications at the pumps.

[TWR]

DT, Usualy the Diesel pump on the Motorways are fast delivery for the HGV as the hold in Excess of 300 galls, & yes the nozzle size is larger, regards the Old Engines & Emissions ( Again ) one company I drive for had at that time about 20 old Gardner Engines, they were known as a chugger, but the fuel system was spot on regards Emissions otherwise they would have been scrapped as the company had a total fleet of 600, & common tell you can not run a vehicle with a poor fuel return. If a derv car / Van / Bus or HGV was followed by the police & was seen sending out plumes of black smoke they would be pulled I can assure you! Dave.

[TWR]

TTT, Hauliers have been trying for years to get a reduction on their fuel, some fleets like the likes of Stobart run a massive fleet, here & abroad, there are companies in the UK that run 300 to 600 HGVs, can you imagine their fuel bill? If the Fuel prices came down for them it would reduce the cost of the Fuel you use, the Clothes you wear, the Milk / beer / wine you drink & most of all, you Food, I admire the French as said previously, if they say they will strike for a reduction they will strike.

[ToraToraTora]

I agree TWR, as suggested above what if the government was to increase the price of diesel at the pumps but allow the hauliers etc to claim some sort of commercial rebate on their fuel. eg suppose they put 50p a litre extra tax on and then rebated the commercial users 70p then private users would be subsidising commercial users. This would work for a while as private usage would effectively be phased out.

[Old_Geezer]

Again the suggestions are to hit the driver victim/scapegoat with the financial stick until they stop doing what was perfectly well allowed beforehand. We, the public, need to discourage bullying by authorities not encourage it. They are supposed to be working for us, we are not theirs to abuse as they desire.