Whatever the truth or fiction behind the Global Warming debate, there is no denying that it has given politicians a pretext to do what they like to do anyway – order other people about.

They only have to use the word “environment” to get public approval of the most poorly considered proposal s. As usual, business is the easiest victim.

London’s “Low Emission Zone” is a case in point. A daily charge of £200 on commercial vehicles which do not meet specified standards sounds environmentally friendly, so voters do not object – because they think they will not be the ones paying it.

Of course, they ignore the fact that this will be paying it through increased prices because business has no choice but to pass them on to consumers. Most will not notice the increased costs of the odd delivery to their homes, but someone with major building or repair work over many days will find themselves paying four figure sums in extra transport costs.

Like most government regulation, this will put small business at an even greater competitive disadvantage. Big business can easily afford new vehicles that meet the standards. It is small business that relies on older, usually second-hand trucks.

If politicians really feel something should be done to reduce pollution let them have the courage of their convictions and impose the tax on the consumer, so that the voter has a clear idea of the real cost before deciding whether to approve or not.