City-country differences: Car density in Lower Austria grows and sinks

City-country differences: Car density in Lower Austria grows and sinks

In Lower Austria, it is increasingly being observed that the car seat between urban and rural areas has an ever greater imbalance. While in cities such as Wiener Neustadt, St. Pölten and Krems the number of cars is declining per 1,000 inhabitants, the rural area, in particular the Waidhofen district on the Thaya, is experiencing an increase in car seat. A current study by the mobility organization VCÖ throws a light on this worrying development and demands comprehensive measures.

One of the main demands of the VCÖ is the expansion of public transport. In view of the fact that the vehicle density in the statutory cities of Lower Austria is less than 600 cars per 1,000 people, whereas the values in the Waldviertel are over 700, the need for action is clear. It is particularly worrying that even in regions with a falling population, such as the Horn district, the number of cars continues to increase.

public transport as a solution

The VCÖ expert Michael Schwendinger sees this trend the consequences of inadequate settlement planning and transport policy, which often do not offer the citizens to the car. This situation leads to an increase in mobility costs, which is stressful for both individuals and for regional developments. The VCÖ refers to the savings potential of public transport, since a climate for Lower Austria and Burgenland costs only 495 euros annually - that is less than what many people spend on car driving.

bicycles as an attractive alternative

But not only public transport could offer a solution; The VCÖ also sees great potential in using bicycles, especially through the trend towards electric bicycles. As a result, more than 50 percent of car trips that are shorter than ten kilometers could be shifted to the bike. In order to enable this, however, the wheel infrastructure must be significantly improved.

In addition, the municipalities demand to strengthen the town centers and reduce the eradication. These steps are essential to reduce the long -term costs for public transport and to promote sustainable mobility.

The requests of the VCÖ are clear: urgent measures are required to change the mobility landscape in Lower Austria and to create a balance between city and country. For a detailed view of the case, see the report on www.meinbezirk.at .