Merkel doubles funding to help German cities fight air pollution

German chancellor pledges extra a500m in attempt to head off threat of ban on diesel vehicles following emissions scandal

Angela Merkel has pledged a further a500m (460m) to help German cities fight air pollution caused by diesel cars, as a scandal strangling the automobile industry threatened to engulf politicians at the height of an election campaign.

The German chancellor said she was doubling financial aid to cities from a previously announced a500m, in an attempt to stave off the threat of a ban on diesel vehicles.