wrote:


Yes, it's interesting how much of the pollution is *not* the product of
vehicle combustion engines. So getting rid of older diesels won't have
quite the dramatic impact expected.

"a network of "zero-emission zones" where the burning of wood or coal is
prohibited."

I thought the burning of coal in london had been prohibited since the 50s.
Perhaps that was just for commercial premises, not homes.

It was aimed at domestic premises especially the preponderance of open coal
burning grates,
I don’t know enough about the commercial side but suspect they already had
some previous legislation to comply with that allowed some commercial
operations to continue,after all suddenly closing the Coal burning power
stations like Battersea ., Lots Road etc would have been impractical as
would stopping British Railways using steam Locomotives.

The 1950’s acts were aimed at those domestic fixed installations,
appliances in things like canal boats,Caravans could still burn ordinary
coal .
Those who wished to continue using solid fuel in domestic grates had to use
one of the “smokeless” coal products that were approved such as Coalite.
I suspect the coal mentioned in the reference to Zero emission would now
apply to those as well.
As for wood burning stoves in London, that is nothing more than a
ridiculous affectation by trendies who desire to imitate the country homes
they see in the Sunday Newspaper lifestyle supplements .
It would not be so bad if they all were of the approved type for use in
smokeless zones that recirculate the combustion products within the chamber
to ensue as much combustion at the highest temperatures possible
that reduces emissions but many that are installed are not.
But to you do really need one in streets that have a gas main and electric
supplies,
If all types get banned then those trendies will have been hoisted by their
own petard,
It’s different in places like here where there is always the possibility of
the overhead lines becoming damaged by severe weather and no mains gas the
wood burner will still provide heat,a basic cooking facility and hot water
(gravity circuit so no pump).

And my wood has come from local trees that fell down naturally, Isabella of
Islington thinks she is green because she is burning wood, wood that has
taken energy to be kiln dried,transported from abroad and driven to London.
Yes very green.

GH