Some garages were offering to either remove the whole thing or 'gut' the filter and weld up the casing, to make it apear that that the filter was in fact there. Currently, MOT testers only have to undertake a visual inspection of the Filter, as there isn't a test at present to detect whether the filter is there and is operational.
This topic was covered recently in an article by The Guardian. Given how widespread DPF removal / gutting is, it now looks like the Government have commisioned research to actually perform a test for the presence / operation of the DPF. They may look at ways to adapt the current smoke test to check the DPF is doing its job.
Apart from the detrimental impact on health, the article also mentions that it it is an offence to drive the vehicle without a DPF (if originally fitted) and could also invalidate your insurance if you have not declared its removal.
I've just spent the last couple of hours looking at other Forums, regarding this and it is surprising how many owners have already had this done - but who are now contemplating the financial impact of possibly having to fork out to get the DPFs reinstated again along with all the ECU mods and additional kit.The DfT has commissioned research on how existing or new technology can be used to detect DPF removal by measuring exhaust fumes. One possibility is adapting the use of the equipment that performs the current MOT smoke test to make it more sensitive. The findings may be implemented as part of changes to the Roadworthiness Directive, which sets the framework for MOT testing, and is scheduled to be introduced in the UK in 2017-18.
I thought it worth a mention, as it was innevitable that to enforce the ruling there simply had to be more than a visual check for the filter - and this could be the start of it, so anyone still contemplating DPF removal or gutting - you may want to reconsider
Link:
http://www.theguardian.com/environment/ ... -transport
