There is an additional reason why diesel fumes are bad for one, food. The fumes deter pollinating insects from doing their job. In Issue 3165 of the New Scientist there is an article reporting on research into the effect of diesel fumes on scents of flowers of plants. The fumes destroy the scent so the insects (bees included) can’t find the flowers. I realise that the average BR might care little for garden flowers but when the flowers are from food crops it becomes serious.

I`m of the opinion that these scientists are so keen to make a name for themselves and to get rid of diesels they will say anything to assist in slating diesels

I have a garden full of flowers in the winter (not all blooming) but in the summer make a good show with no shortage of bees wasps and hoverflies, and I live very close to the A20

I do remember a few years ago scientists mentioned there was a new breed of bee about that was killing the normal honey bees off, I wonder if that may have something to do with it.

The current problem, other than diesel fumes, is far, far worse - a disease that is spreading from continental Europe and killing off bees in big numbers - if I recall, by some parasite.

I wouldn't be (pardon the pun) at all surprised at the story about diesel fumes and bees, as I notice my taste in my mouth changes for quite a qhile after a diesel car passes - that horrible taste in your mouth (most of taste is apparently smell) like you have just after you get up in the morning - bitter! No wonder the bees cannot 'smell the roses'!

I wonder how much diesel fumes there are in the middle of a hundred-plus acre field, in the middle of the countryside.

There has been previous research with similar findings:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/24364637

The NS article is here:

www.newscientist.com/article/mg23731650-200-dirty-.../

Suspect issue is more nuanced that OP/headline suggests and that diesel fumes are only one of many pollutants in play. I'm not though going to pay for a subscription to read the whole thing.

As well as pollutants, varoa mites and foreign invaders there is also a serious question over neo-nicotinoid insecticides:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/24364637

I wonder how much diesel fumes there are in the middle of a hundred-plus acre field, in the middle of the countryside.

There has been previous research with similar findings:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/24364637

The NS article is here:

www.newscientist.com/article/mg23731650-200-dirty-.../

Suspect issue is more nuanced that OP/headline suggests and that diesel fumes are only one of many pollutants in play. I'm not though going to pay for a subscription to read the whole thing.

As well as pollutants, varoa mites and foreign invaders there is also a serious question over neo-nicotinoid insecticides:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/24364637

Plus the fact that bees natural habitats are fast disappearing, flower meadows and the fringes along the farmers fields are sprayed off. They need variety to keep their immune systems healthy, they seem to be being hit from both sides.

I agree, building work is not helping as industrial estates keep popping up in places where wildlife was thriving, 2 local wild fields have dissapeared for massive warehouses where there was foxes badgers and other wildlife.

Getting annoying as I`m on the outskirts of London that was green, its now pretty much industrialised, where I used to see green fields Coca cola built a great warehouse blocking my view:(