The Great British tradition of the “White Van Man” is dying out, a new study from Commercial Vehicle Direct has revealed.
The van insurance specialist spoke to over 1,300 commercial van drivers and research revealed that just 4 per cent of 17 to 29 year olds are choosing to enter trades that require them to drive a van, compared to 80 per cent in the 40 plus age bracket.

0Lance Testa, head of sales at  Commercial Vehicle Direct, says, “As a British institution, it is sad that young people are rejecting the idea of becoming a van driver, and this career path is in danger of going the same way as the dodo.

“Our research shows that the rising cost of motoring such as fuel and tax is forcing a third of van drivers to consider other occupations. I firmly believe that these pressures are having a direct impact on 17 to 29 year olds opting for an alternative career.

“Boris Johnson has recently called for a better deal for “White Van Man” and I agree that more must be done to stop them being forced off the road. We work with a panel of 20 insurers to provide some of the most competitive van insurance prices in the market, and we call on all brokers to follow our lead. This could result in reduced motoring costs for van drivers and hopefully encourage more young people to enter the trades.”