EU directives to reduce particle emission from vehicles are obligatory since 1.1.2005 for all member states. The German environmental organisation (in German only) is now suing major German cities to enforce the reduction of harmful particle emission, especially from diesel. It is estimated that the emission of fine particles and ozone leads to the premature death of 65,000 people in Germany per annum. Immediate bans on driving without filters are being considered. From next year on the government will subsidise these filters by half their price.

What can be done in Australia?