The major emissions abatement measures then were not transport related. They
were directed towards the formerly much more significant source of pollution: coal, burnt
in inefficient boilers or in a separate grate for each individual room to heat offices
and homes. This was replaced by cleaner central heating systems, especially in areas
where natural gas became available at about the same time, on grounds of improved comfort
and convenience as well as economic incentives and legislation. The major transport
emissions abatement measure of this era was the replacement of steam traction with diesel
and electric on the railways.