The use of the road network by private cars and lorries generate operating costs for the user. Vehicle operating costs are defined as costs that vary with vehicle usage and are based on vehicle-miles travelled. These costs include fuel, tyres, oil, maintenance, repairs, and mileage-dependent depreciation. Clearly transport projects or policies can generate changes in vehicle operating costs by affecting the volume of car traffic, either through mode switching or induced traffic, and the speed and distance travelled through route changes.
