New research by Citroen aims to dispel typical preconceptions about van drivers in the UK.
Some 2,000 drivers were surveyed, including van drivers, to establish whether the stereotypical ‘white van man’ still exists in 2024.
The study found van drivers were likely to have a wide array of interests, with almost half (44 percent) enjoying cooking and baking as a regular pastime.
Two sugars, no tabloids
The most popular hobbies among van drivers questioned in the survey were walking (chosen by 58 percent), followed by travelling (47 percent) and video games (45 percent).
Exercise is an important consideration for many of Britain’s van drivers, too. More than a third (41 percent) attend a gym, while 14 percent enjoy yoga or pilates.
Despite the health kick, a full English breakfast is still the meal of choice for 39 percent of van drivers, compared to 25 percent of car drivers. And those driving a van are more than twice as likely to take sugar in their tea.
Forget the stereotype of a red-topped newspaper on the dashboard, too. Just under half (47 percent) get their news from a broadsheet newspaper, while a quarter listen to podcasts and audiobooks.
Van drivers have moved on
The overall perception of van drivers on the UK’s roads appears to be improving, based on the results of the Citroen survey.
Almost two thirds (62 percent) of drivers said they were no more likely to report a van driver for poor driving than a car driver. Close to half (41 percent) of those asked said they think a van driver and a car driver would be equally likely receive to a parking fine.
Greg Taylor, managing director at Citroen UK, said “It is clear that the habits and lifestyles of van drivers in the UK have moved on from the preconceptions of the previous decade.
“As the pioneer of the leisure activity vehicle, Citroen has always offered its customers a robust model that suits them and adapts to their every need.”
