Urban sprawl fuels Perth's traffic congestion

Perth’s worsening traffic congestion is being fuelled by people who live in outer suburbs according to new research released by the Committee for Perth. The report found not only do people living in the Perth’s outer suburbs have higher rates of car ownership than those who live closer to the city but they’re forced to drive to work because they don’t have a choice.

“The research clearly shows that the main reason people drive to work is because they don’t have the option of catching public transport. This means that even as the cost of running a car rises and traffic congestion gets worse, unless public transport services improve, the people living in Perth’s fringe suburbs will continue driving to work. On the other hand, people who live closer to the city can choose to save time and money by using public transport,” said Committee for Perth CEO Marion Fulker.

“Perth’s metropolitan area now stretches 120 kilometres and an estimated 60% of Perth’s population are living in outer and fringe areas. Until we stop our urban sprawl, the number of cars on the road and the congestion will keep growing.”

The latest Rising Cost of Living report, commissioned by the Committee for Perth, reveals that, despite a 67% increase in fuel costs over the past decade, Perth households own more cars than ever before.