New traffic - new neighbours? Traffic and segregation in Oslo inner east

The report shows that traffic changes may trigger relocation processes, and that such processes may be self-reinforcing. This is in accordance with Thoma Schelling's "tipping point" model. Data from five areas in inner Oslo east, with road traffic developments during the 1990s, show that Norwegians with children moved out of, and foreigners with children moved into areas that experienced traffic increases. There was an opposite tendency in one of two areas with traffic decrease. In addition, areas with traffic increase, exhibited a poorer development in living conditions than areas with traffic decrease. The results show that traffic changes may trigger a process towards segregation, and that it can take place on low geographical levels.