Vehicle-centric

Relating to or focused on the needs and priorities of motor vehicles, often at the expense of other modes of transportation like walking, cycling, and public transit, as well as the needs of pedestrians and cyclists. This approach often prioritizes road construction, parking availability, and traffic flow above all else. It tends to be associated with urban and transportation planning that favors private automobile use, potentially leading to issues such as increased traffic congestion, air pollution, and reduced walkability and accessibility for those without cars.

Vehicle-centric meaning with examples

• The city's vehicle-centric urban planning prioritized highway expansion and ample parking, inadvertently discouraging pedestrian and cyclist activity. This approach resulted in sprawling development, longer commutes, and a decline in public transportation ridership. While seemingly efficient for car users, it created an unsustainable environment impacting air quality and social interaction. The focus was on moving cars quickly, often overlooking the quality of life for residents without vehicles.
• The new traffic management system is designed to be vehicle-centric, optimizing traffic signals to minimize delays for cars. While this benefits drivers, cyclists and pedestrians find it more difficult to cross intersections, and bus routes are slowed. Critics argue that the plan overemphasizes the needs of vehicles, potentially worsening air quality. The redesign places less emphasis on public transport, creating a less balanced, less sustainable transport system.
• The developer proposed a vehicle-centric commercial complex with vast parking lots and limited pedestrian access. The emphasis on car access makes it difficult for those arriving on foot or by public transport. This leads to increased carbon emissions. The design also discouraged community interaction, contributing to urban sprawl and reducing opportunities for social activity. This project highlights a prioritization of vehicles over human interaction.
• Many suburbs are the result of vehicle-centric planning: residential areas with limited access to shops, services, and workplaces except by car. The reliance on automobiles promotes urban sprawl and contributes to increased pollution and traffic congestion. This results in people needing to travel great distances for basic services. Suburban environments favor cars over pedestrians, often making walking and cycling impractical and unsafe.