Brisbane is the most expensive Australian city to own a car

Brisbane drivers spend more to own and run their car than motorists from any other Australian city, according to a new report.

The Australian Automobile Association's latest Transport Affordability Index shows it costs $19,745 to own and run a car in Brisbane for one year.

It's a staggering figure that includes costs such as car loan repayments, fuel, tolls, registration and servicing.

It means overall, transport costs are driving away with a whopping 17 percent of the average household income. That's more than Sydney and Melbourne.

Rebecca Michael from RACQ wants the government to step in.

"A lot of money being spent by Brisbane motorists on transport," Ms Michael said.

Roads minister Mark Bailey said programs and procedures have been put in place to curb the worrying figures.

"We've got to keep working on it and we certainly will," Mr Bailey said.

Ballooning petrol prices are certainly part of the problem, while toll roads are seeing record use.

In the last 12 months alone, operator Transurban posted $629 million in revenue.

"You've always got to look at what more can be done to improve things for tolling customers, that's why the government has an inquiry," Mr Bailey said.

Motorists sick of being taken for a ride should consider public transport, which costs, on average, $54 a week, where as motorists spend closer to $380.

Mr Bailey and RACQ agree it's time for people to ditch their car.

"I absolutely want to see more people using our public transport system and that's what we actually starting too see," Mr Bailey said.

"We'd encourage motorists to take the bus or take public transport where it's possible to do so," Ms Michael said.