Scoping Study of Actual and Perceived Car Dependence and Likely Implications for Livelihoods, Lifestyles, and Well-Being of Enforced Reductions in Car Use.

This paper reports on an ongoing study into the nature of car dependence in the UK. The primary aims of the study are to gain deeper insight into the changing nature and causes of car dependence, to consider whether thisis a useful way of characterizing the situation, and to identify the economic and social consequences of moving beyond voluntary reductions in car use to policy measures that are more coercive in nature. The study will be undertaken in two iterative phases, the first exploratory stage will report in early 2009. Subject to additional funding and partner interest, Phase 2 of the work will report in early 2010. This paper is concerned with the Phase 1 scoping study and, in particular, the review of theoretical and empirical literature on car use behaviors and the exploratory focus group exercises that were undertaken with members of the UK public.