Fleet managers have been warned that cars suffering technical problems caused by their diesel filters becoming clogged are becoming more common.

ING Car Lease said the problem is most prevalent among public sector fleets, whose drivers tend to take short, urban journeys as opposed to longer trips at higher speeds.

“Over the last few months we have seen the issue of blocked traps becoming a real problem for fleets that have adopted this technology in a bid to reduce their soot emissions,” said Clive

Buhagiar, relationship manager – public sector, at ING Car Lease. “The problem occurs when drivers who tend to stick to urban routes ignore the warning light on the dashboard, highlighting the issue of the soot build-up in the trap. If not dealt with, this becomes a problem that needs urgent attention.”

In some instances, vehicles have been off the road for days while the filter is replaced.