In the wake of the Volkswagen emissions scandal, Lord Drayson has come forward to say that Tony Blair's Labour government made a mistake in promoting diesel cars as they are now "killing people”.

However, Ian Chisholm, executive director of IRTE, said: “There are more meaningful and viable solutions to addressing the current situation, such as more reliable and accurate testing of individual manufacturer’s vehicles that mimic real-world conditions, and supporting the development of increasingly sophisticated filtration systems and fuel efficiency. Of equal importance is the need for stricter legislation that means individuals and operators cannot legally tamper with filters and other systems in place designed to minimise the environmental impact of diesel fuel.

“Modern diesel vehicles are significantly cleaner than those in the past,” added Chisholm. “Unnecessarily scrapping diesel-powered vehicles already on the road in favour of new electric or hybrid vehicles has its own environmental repercussions. The issue of diesel fuel emissions is more complex than current mainstream media coverage would suggest, and what has recently happened calls for a considered, long-term response, rather than a reactionary swing in the opposite direction.”