German court rules cities can ban diesel cars to tackle pollution

Landmark ruling could cause traffic chaos and dramatically hit the value of diesel vehicles

Millions of heavily polluting vehicles could eventually disappear from roads across Germany after its top administrative court ruled that cities have the right to ban diesel motors in an effort to improve deadly air quality levels.

Tuesday's historic decision potentially affects an estimated 12m vehicles and has delivered a heavy blow to Europe's largest car market, while being celebrated by environmental campaigners.