The RAC is warning prospective car buyers to think twice before purchasing a diesel vehicle in 2026, as expanding Clean Air Zones and shifting government policy could leave owners facing hefty charges and plummeting resale values.
The motoring organisation's advice centres on the rapid expansion of Clean Air Zones (CAZs) across British cities. Whilst these schemes currently target older, heavily polluting diesels, the RAC warns that restrictions are likely to tighten and spread, potentially catching even newer diesel cars in charging networks that could cost drivers hundreds of pounds annually.
The government's commitment to phase out new petrol and diesel sales by 2035 is already shifting market sentiment, despite being nearly a decade away. Consumer preferences are moving decisively towards electric vehicles, threatening to hammer diesel resale values well before the official deadline.
Diesel owners also face the prospect of mounting running costs beyond fuel expenses. Environmental regulations continue evolving, with the possibility of higher taxation or additional charges targeting diesel vehicles. The ongoing concerns over nitrogen oxide emissions and particulate matter from diesel engines are driving policy decisions that could make ownership increasingly expensive and inconvenient.
The RAC emphasises that buyers must look beyond sticker prices to consider total ownership costs over a vehicle's lifetime. This includes potential CAZ charges, future tax rises, and likely depreciation as the market shifts towards electric and low-emission alternatives.
For motorists needing new vehicles in 2026, the organisation suggests exploring hybrid or fully electric options may offer greater long-term financial and environmental certainty.