https://www.planetizen.com/blogs/111535-automobile-dependency-unequal-burden 

Described differently, typical lower-income households can afford housing expenses (rent or mortgage) or vehicle expenses, but not both, and owning two vehicles is financially stressful for most households. Of course, many households own more vehicles and spend more on transportation than is considered affordable. This leaves them vulnerable to financial shocks, such as a vehicle failure, traffic collision, or reduced income, which explains why so many families must drive to food banks or require other types of financial assistance.

For vulnerable households, a small vehicle problem can turn into a major financial and legal crisis. For example, a high-interest car loan for an unreliable vehicle, a vehicle crash, being caught driving unlicensed or uninsured, or an unpaid traffic citation can quickly expand to a morass of debt, injury, unemployment, legal strife, and sometimes jail. Default rates on high-risk, high-interest auto loans are increasing, leaving many low-income households with no vehicles, no money, and no credit. 

Ten Common Policies that Increase Automobile Dependency and Sprawl

1. Transportation planning that favors traffic speed over other goals (affordability, public health, social equity, community livability, environmental protection, etc.).
2. Roadway design that gives little consideration to walking, bicycling and public transit travel demands.
3. Zoning codes that limit density and compact housing types, such as townhouses and apartments.
4. Development policies that favor urban expansion over compact infill.
5. Parking minimums which mandate abundant parking supply.
6. Public facilities (schools, post offices, courts, etc.) located to maximize automobile access.
7. Dedicated roadway funding, which favors roadway spending over investments in other modes.
8. Fuel production subsidies and low fuel taxes.
9. Transportation planning that undercounts, overlooks and undervalues non-auto travel.
10. Travel models that ignore induced travel impacts, which exaggerates roadway expansion benefits.

cheers,

Beth

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Beth McKechnie (she/her) | Green Action Centre

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