You are less likely to have a car if you live in a more deprived area.

Analysis by The Oldham Times used DVLA data, as well as information from the 2011 census, the 2019 deprivation index, and 2021 Government council tax data to compare.

The data, which shows the level of car ownership in local areas based on census categories, was released by the DVLA following a Freedom of Information Request.

Those without cars often rely on public transport. Recent plans drawn up by Andy Burnham for £2 bus fares have been welcomed by many as the cost of living crisis continues.

As fuel prices increase, many Oldhamers are worried about whether they will be able to afford to continue to drive –  leading to some saying they’ll consider getting rid of their car altogether – with prices still higher than weeks ago, despite a cut to fuel duty.

Areas such as Denshaw and Saddleworth had some of the highest rates of car ownership, at over 0.6 cars per person.

The area with the lowest number of cars per person was around Westwood tram stop – with just 0.17 cars per person – meaning residents there were about four times less likely to own a car than those in Denshaw.

This area is also one of Oldham’s most deprived according to the Government’s deprivation index, measuring 1 on the decile index – meaning it’s amongst the most deprived in the country.

Saddleworth measures 9 on the index, making it one of the least deprived areas in Oldham.

The area with the highest car ownership was Middleton Junction – with 0.79 cars per person, this is higher than any other area – this may be skewed by a large number of businesses in this mostly industrial area, as businesses may register many cars to one address.

The Oldham Times compared the numbers to the Government’s deprivation index – which uses a combination of metrics – income, employment, education, health, crime, barriers to housing and services, and the living environment – to calculate the level of deprivation in local areas.

We found a strong correlation – those in the least deprived areas were generally most likely to own a car, and vice-versa.

The data, published at the end of March, is based on the number of cars registered in each area for the third quarter of 2021.

Population data is from the 2011 census.