Running diesel cars was trumpeted as a cleaner mode of transport. Following the 1997 Kyoto climate change treaty, four in 10 cars on British roads run on diesel, almost 12 million. However it has since emerged that diesel produces four times more nitrogen dioxide and 22 times more particulates, both major risks to health.

As result under Conservative plan, UK diesel drivers will receive compensation to encourage them to scrap or "retrofit" highly polluting vehicles.

Speed bumps are also being scrutinized to determine whether the slowing down/accelerating process they produce also contributes to greater harmful emissions.

If science and research is so all-wise and all-knowing, why were these toxic measures introduced in the first place?

If man can't get something like this right, what hope is there for the environmental success of other major decisions?