I often listen to File on 4 and I never find it less
than interesting. In fact it's often much more than that. - You feel as you
listen that the matter is so serious and so urgent that 'somebody' will take
steps to remedy or to ameliorate the situation. Just like with today's subject:
dangerous, potentially lethal, levels of harmful oxides of nitrogen in diesel
fumes from traffic in some cities, including Sheffield.
File on 4 can be relied upon for careful
investigations and has excellent presenters to make the issues clear. You'd
think after wrapping up the preparation for the programme, matters would be 'all
over bar the shouting'. But no. All too often when the presenter puts the case
to the person in the best position to effect necessary change and start the
process of amending regulations or legislation, instead of being persuaded by
the evidence and the importance of the matter, the 'powerful person' recites
well-rehearsed ambiguous drivel that translates as, 'Sorry, mate; couldn't
really care less.' Anyone who's ever experienced taking in a lungful or two of
diesel fumes can have little doubt that the noxious stuff is injurious to
health. We were informed of the special danger of babies developing severe
breathing problems. Well heaven help those poor babies who live near to roads
with busy traffic, 'cos it doesn't look like the powers-that-be have any
intention of helping...
You can listen to the File on 4 programme from this page.
"World health chiefs have branded diesel exhaust emissions a major cause of
cancer. Despite the efforts of car-makers to filter out the most noxious
substances, these fumes still play a big part in causing air pollution. Britain
has the second worst respiratory death rates in Europe and has long been under
notice from Brussels to clean up its act. So why are most UK areas in breach of
legal limits? And do ministers have any clear plan to reduce the huge annual
total of resulting deaths? "
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