Over 33,000 Flemish diesel cars have failed new particulate filter test

A total of 33,308 diesel cars have failed the new, stricter particulate filter test that was introduced in July last year, revealed Flemish Mobility minister Lydia Peeters on Monday.

Since 1 July 2022, all diesel cars with Euronorm 5 or 6 must undergo a new particulate filter test during the car inspection. If the car emits more than 1 million particulate matter particles per cubic centimetre, it fails the test.

A total of 33,308 diesel cars have already been rejected in this way. In addition, nearly 15,000 more motorists received a warning. "The rotten apples who engage in particulate filter fraud must be dealt with. (...) It is hugely important for improving our air quality," said MP Sofie Mertens, who requested the figures from minister Peeters.

Because owners are insufficiently aware of the condition of their cars, Peeters advocates for a central database that shows exactly how many particles the vehicle emits. "When the exact emission figure is mentioned on the inspection certificate, consumers can intervene more quickly and avoid more expensive interventions later on," she said.

^{© BELGA PHOTO HATIM KAGHAT}