The Derived Demand for Traffic at Food Superstores in the UK

Abstract

A composite dataset is used to estimate a United Kingdom food superstore (semi-parametric) trip attraction model. The data comprises site-specific and traffic information from the TRICS (Trip Rate Information Computer System) databases, as well as information from the NOMIS (National Online Manpower Information System) archive and the UK Census of Population. That traffic at a given food superstore, ceteris paribus, increases with distance to the nearest competitor, site size (floor space), store parking provision, and household car ownership, is indicated by the results. Public transportation provision increases, furthermore, are shown to be associated with increasing car trips. This is discussed in light of development control policy planning and a 'food deserts' reinforcement linked role. Activity-specific household economies of scale and scope are also revealed by results. How these may also perpetuate 'food desert' characteristics and unsustainable development is suggested.