Why is the UK’s effort to cut pollution from cars stalling so badly?

Analysis: Official government figures show overall greenhouse gas emissions continue to fall, but transport is still letting the side down when it comes to cutting pollution, as Josh Gabbatiss explains

Greenhouse gas emissions from cars have only seen tiny reductions in the past three decades (Getty Images)

To the casual observer, the latest official greenhouse gas figures paint a promising picture of the nation’s efforts to fight climate change.

Globally these gases may be on the rise, but the UK’s data suggest the government’s boast that it has a “proven track record in tackling climate change” is well founded.

In this context, it is easy to paint the responses to the new figures by the usual parade of green campaigners, opposition politicians and climate experts as needlessly dour.