German court says cities can ban diesel cars
Germany has already made its commitment to cleaner vehicles clear by banning combustion engine cars from 2030. Now, in a landmark ruling, a top court says cities have the right to ban diesel motors in an effort to improve air quality. The decision will potentially affect 12 million cars on Germany's roads. Campaigners, such as Jürgen Resch of environmental group Deutsche Umwelthilfe, have called the ruling "a great day for clean air in Germany." Experts believe high levels of nitrogen oxide (NOx), which frequently exceeds the EU threshold of 40 micrograms of NOx per cubic meter, causes between 6,000 and 13,000 deaths every year in the country, The decision isn't being celebrated by everyone, though, as critics believe the rules will cause uncertainty for drivers and impact Germany's car market -- the largest in Europe. However, the government says there will be no immediate changes, and that it's considering a compensation scheme for those affected. It a...