Cost of running cars "up £500"

The average cost of motoring has risen by £539 since last year. That's according to an RAC survey that takes into account everything from servicing to fuel costs, depreciation and the cost of loans to buy new cars.

Overall, the average UK motorist spends £5500 a year to stay on the road. The biggest single cost is depreciation, which also showed the biggest rise, increasing from £1987 in 2005 to £2420 this year.

Almost every cost has risen over the past year. Fuel is the most notable exception – average petrol bills fell from £1155 in 2005 to £1112. That £43 drop is around the cost of filling the average car's tank.