Under the Department for Transport’s plans, removal of things like diesel particulate filters (DPFs) or reprogramming the ECU in a way that produces more power but increases emissions will be banned. While removing a catalytic converter will remain illegal, a sports cat system that produces higher emissions could also soon be outlawed.
Will there be exemptions?
There will be some exceptions to the rules; vehicles utilised off-road, such as track-only cars, won’t need to comply.
The Government also says vehicles with higher-than-approved emissions will also be exempt from fines when “the cause is not a modification made once the vehicle is in-use, normal servicing would not fix the problem and all emission‑control devices (such as a DPF) are present and working correctly”. This should present a get-out for properly maintained vehicles that have seen emissions increase through normal wear and tear.
Until the consultation closes on September 6, Drivers can log onto the Government’s online form to have their say on these proposals, or post their views to the address listed on the official website. If all goes as planned, the new rules will come into force in the summer next year with a six-month lead-in time, with enforcement carried out by the DVSA through MoT and roadside testing.
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