Fine dust emissions will be checked with a PN meter that measures the number of dust particles that the particulate filter does not block.
From 1 July 2022, the technical inspection centers will check the emissions of diesel engines. The test will be introduced simultaneously in the three regions and with the same threshold values. The unfiltered, fine particles released during combustion in diesel engines are particularly harmful and are classified as carcinogenic by the WHO.
According to Dr Patricia Palacios, who works at Cliniques Universitaires St-Luc, air pollution is a public health problem because it has a significant impact on patients' health. Belgium has approximately 9000 premature deaths per year as a result of particulate matter, worsening asthma, worsening cardiovascular diseases, and increasing neurological disorders in children and the elderly. Children and vulnerable people are the first to be affected. These consequences, and the associated health costs, fully justify taking measures to further limit the main sources of pollution.
The new check concerns all vehicles of category M1 (passenger transport) and N1 (goods transport) with an emission standard of at least Euro 5. The other types of vehicles will undergo the same test in the near future.
“Particulate matter emissions from road transport have fallen over the past decade, largely due to the widespread use of particulate filters in all diesel vehicles. When they work correctly, these filters are effective, but when they are damaged, worn or even completely removed , the number of particles emitted can rise enormously: vehicles can then emit up to 500 times more particulate matter than with a properly functioning filter.From 1 July 2022, during the roadworthiness test, systematic tests will be carried out on all passenger cars and vans with a diesel engine of the Euro 5a standard and more recent. This is excellent news for the lungs of the inhabitants of Brussels and all Belgians",
The new check concerns all vehicles of category M1 (passenger transport) and N1 (goods transport) with an emission standard of at least Euro 5. The other types of vehicles will undergo the same test in the near future.
The threshold values are the following:
- A measurement result below 250.000 fine dust particles/cm³ means that the vehicle complies with the next technical inspection.
- A measurement result between 250.000 and 1.000.000 particulate matter/cm³ gives rise to a comment without penalty and without an obligation to repair or re-check, but the operation of the particulate filter must be monitored.
- A measurement result above 1.000.000 fine dust particles/cm³ means that the filter is broken or missing. This results in a red card and a driving ban, together with the obligation to have the vehicle checked again after repair.
"The price will not change, it will continue to fluctuate between 47 and 53 euros depending on the type of vehicle,"
What are the concrete consequences?
The test will not take long and will not harm the engine which has to idle for 30 seconds. The threshold of 250.00 dust particles/cm³ is very reasonable: with a well-maintained vehicle this is almost zero. Initially, the purpose of these checks is to take action against people who commit fraud, for example by removing the particulate filter.