Analysis of non-administrative separation effects affecting transport processes in Hungary

This study examines the role of non-administrative separation effects on transport processes in Hungary, with particular regard to spatial structural constraints mediated by the lower-order road network. In contrast to previous research, the analysis does not focus on natural or artificial barriers in themselves, but rather seeks to empirically capture their network-level consequences through the evolution of commuting relationships. The methodology is based on a comparison of physical and accessibility-based neighbourhood relations between districts and district centres, from which a binary non-administrative resistance variable is derived using resistance functions generated according to different rules. The effect of this variable is examined through Monte Carlo simulation, embedded in gravity models. The results show that non-administrative separation effects exert a predominantly negative and significant influence on commuting propensity, while model fit improves in a statistically verifiable manner. The analysis confirms the robustness of the proposed methodology for identifying non-administrative separation effects, while also highlighting that the determination of the optimal resistance function constitutes a distinct research task.