"In 2010, the economic welfare cost of reported road accidents was estimated to be around £15 billion."

http://www.dft.gov.uk/statistics/releases/road-accidents-and-safety-annual-re...

And bear in mind that the estimated total is vastly higher than the reported number. I drive, I bike, I walk, so I'm including myself in the blame for this, although I've never hit anyone. But this is the cost of car ownership you don't see. And if you add in the health costs of people who would cycle or walk but find the local roads oppressive, and it's even higher. Sent from my iPad