Document Type

Conference Paper

Publication Date

2008

Subject Area

Social Issues - Income, Social Issues - Poverty, Transport accessibility - Lack of access, Transport policy - Transport poverty

Abstract

Improved understanding of the multidimensional nature of disadvantage is leading to development of a wider range of measurement variables than traditional income poverty lines (Saunders et al., 2007, Gordon et al., 2000). One of the variables now commonly included in indices of disadvantage, is households that do not have a car (Tanton et al., 2006; ABS, 2003; Townsend et al., 1988). This paper questions the logic of including not having a car as an indicator of disadvantage. It argues that the inclusion of this variable distorts the true picture of the distribution of advantage and disadvantage in wealthy nations such as the UK and Australia. The purpose of this paper is not to undermine the development of multidimensional measures of disadvantage, but rather to open debate and contribute to the development of more accurate measures of disadvantage. An examination of such measures of disadvantage can also help to illuminate the role of transport in addressing disadvantage and delivering economic prosperity. Section 2 describes three major indicators of disadvantage which incorporate zero car ownerships as a component indicator, section 3 presents the case for inclusion of household zero car ownership as an indicator of disadvantage, section 4 presents the arguments against the use of zero car ownership, section 5 is a discussion of the arguments presented for and against using zero car ownership as an indicator of disadvantage in particular in the context of climate change amelioration policy and the potential impact of carbon emissions trading; and section 6 summarises the key findings of the study and presents suggestions for further research.