Four of the world's biggest cities to ban diesel by 2025
Move to ban diesel by the middle of next decade is part of a desperate bid to improve air qualityThe mayors of Paris, Mexico City, Madrid and Athens have made a joint announcement that they are working to ban diesel-powered vehicles in their cities by 2025 to improve air quality.
To help the transition away from diesel, all four cities say they will offer incentives to switch to alternative vehicles, like pure-electric cars, vans and trucks.
Paris, Mexico City, Madrid and Athens will also promote walking and improve local infrastructure for cycling.
The announcement the diesel ban will be introduced was made at the biennial global meeting of city leaders.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), three million deaths per year are linked to exposure to air pollution.
Diesels have drawn intense criticism recently because of the high levels of particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx) they emit.
Particulates have been linked with cancer, cardiovascular problems and other illnesses. NOx, meanwhile, has been proven to cause respiratory problems.
The news of the outright ban mirrors other major cities, like London, that are also considering phasing out the fuel.
According to car industry commentators, the banning of diesels and the general backlash towards the fuel will continue the pressure on car-makers to develop more and more pure-electric, plug-in hybrid and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles.
France's capital, Paris, is already considered a world-leader in the drive to cut air pollution. Earlier this year it banned any vehicle registered before 1997 from entering the city and has promised stricter restriction every year until 2020.
The city has also introduced monthly car-free days in the centre of the city and pedestrianised a 3km stretch along the right bank of the River Seine.
The move to ban diesel cars in Paris, Mexico City, Madrid and Athens isn't the first time a mayor has chosen to rid a city of its most polluting vehicles.
Back in 2003, Japan's Tokyo banned diesel trucks and vans over concerns its emissions caused cancer.
Back then any diesel vehicles entering the city would see their owners fined 500,000 yen ($A5900).
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