Under-30s and city dwellers less likely to own cars

People in Amsterdam are least likely to own a car according to national statistics office, the CBS.

By contrast, residents of Staphorst (Overijssel) are most likely to drive, with 1.4 cars for every home on average, compared with Amsterdam’s 0.4. The figures, provided by the Netherlands Vehicle Authority (RWD), also show that car ownership is rising across the country.

CBS economist Hein van Mulligen said the lower rate of car ownership in towns partly reflected the ageing population. The lower average income in urban areas is also a factor.

‘The number of over-60s is growing and they often have a car and always had one,’ Van Mulligen told the Volkskrant. ‘They only stop driving when they are unable to continue. They also have more money than 30 years ago and can easily afford more than one car.’

Car ownership in the Netherlands is increasing, despite talk of European taxes and carbon emissions pledges. By the end of 2015, there were about 7.2 million private cars registered, 1% up from the previous year, and mainly due to more older drivers. Twenty-somethings tend to move to towns, where cars are less essential, said the CBS.

‘It’s expensive to run a car in a city,’ said Van Mulligen. ‘Parking is expensive and there is good public transport in place. In the country public transport is much less efficient, while shops and people’s place of work may be quite a long way off.’