Developing an index of vulnerability to motor fuel price increases in England

Mattioli, Guilio; Philips, Ian; Anable, Jillian; Chatterton, Tim

Abstract

As the outlook for oil prices remains uncertain, this paper develops a method to assess which areas of England would be most vulnerable to future motor fuel price increases. Building on previous research, we define and operationalise three dimensions of vulnerability: exposure (the cost burden of motor fuel), sensitivity (income) and adaptive capacity (accessibility with modes alternative to the car). We exploit unique data sets available in England, including the 'MOT' vehicle inspection data and DfT Accessibility Statistics. This allows us to map vulnerability to fuel price increases at a spatially disaggregated level (Lower-layer Super Output Areas), taking into account motor-fuel expenditure for all travel purposes, and the ability of households to shift to other modes of travel. This is an advancement on the 'oil vulnerability' indices developed in previous international research.

Citation

Mattioli, G., Philips, I., Anable, J., & Chatterton, T. (2017, January). Developing an index of vulnerability to motor fuel price increases in England. Paper presented at 49th University Transport Studies Group Conference

• Presentation Conference Type: Conference Paper (unpublished)
• Conference Name: 49th University Transport Studies Group Conference
• Start Date: Jan 4, 2017
• End Date: Jan 6, 2017
• Acceptance Date: Nov 30, 2016
• Publication Date: Jan 6, 2017
• Publicly Available Date: Jan 23, 2017
• Peer Reviewed: Not Peer Reviewed
• Keywords: transport, poverty, energy, vulnerability
• Publisher URL: http://www.utsg.net/web/index.php?page=annual-conference
• Additional Information: Title of Conference or Conference Proceedings : 49th University Transport Studies Group Conference