Diesel emission lies put public health at risk

SIR – It seems inevitable that the authorities will have to consider corporate manslaughter charges against anyone involved in rigging emission tests (report, September 23).

The authorities in the United States and in Europe have relied upon the cooperation of vehicle manufacturers to provide a technical fix to this massive public health problem. Anyone who has deliberately sought to circumvent the emission rules has contributed to an excess of pollution and should be held to account for their part in adding to related health problems.

If someone had rigged medical tests to sell a product that did people harm, we would expect direct justice. The same logic should apply to pollution.

I am sure that any companies involved in rigging test results will face massive fines, but prison sentences for the individuals concerned must also be considered. Baroness Jones of Moulsecoomb AM (Green)

London SE1 SIR – The chief executive of Volkswagen has resigned (report, September 24). This is good, but not good enough. The whole board should go as well as the team that came up with the software behind the emissions scam.

Wilfully using technology to hide the truth about flooding the planet with noxious gases – what were they thinking? Much is made of “corporate social responsibility” as a concept, but it obviously means nothing to these people.

Mark Barry-Jackson

Reigate, Surrey SIR – While many European nations rely on environmentally friendly trams and trolleybuses for their public transport, British cities continue to be heavily polluted by buses – mostly old and badly maintained – which pour out more pollution than diesel cars. When will we move into the 21st century?

Alastair Maxwell-Irving

Blairlogie, Stirlingshire