Official figures from the Department for Transport (DoT) reveal vans clocked up a combined 48.5 billion miles on UK roads in 2016, a substantial jump of 21.4% compared with the figures from a decade ago and a mammoth increase of 69% compared with 1996.

The DoT report attributed the colossal growth to the fact vans are becoming the preferred method of transportation for companies, replacing heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) that are somewhat in decline.

The massive surge in online shopping has been identified as the major factor leading to a huge rise in the number of vans delivering groceries and other goods to households, proving vans are the “backbone” of British business.

Lib Dem MP Greg Mulholland said: “This is good news, it’s the rise of White Van Man. People getting on, doing a trade and making a difference. It’s great to see”.

Conservative MP Will Quince, a member of the Commons Transport Committee, commented: ‘The increase in traffic is almost certainly driven by online shopping. The drive for more convenience means internet shopping will continue to increase and more vans will be needed to deliver goods to homes.’

12,811 miles covered on average

In 2016 each van covered 12,811 miles on average, which equates to nearly 60% more than the average car (8,082 miles). Conversely, HGV traffic for 2016 fell to a total of 17.1 billion miles, a drop from the peak of 18.2 billion recorded in 2008.

Gary Holmes, from insurer Direct Line commented  “Vans account for over one in 10 vehicles on British roads, and they are the fastest-growing type of vehicle in the UK, with over half a million (514,000) more registered in Q3 2016 than in Q3 2011; that’s a 16% increase in just five years. In percentage terms, this is twice the increase of cars (8%) and over three times more than HGVs (5%).”

Improvements in safety and appearance are also factors which have contributed to the rise in van usage.  First impressions do count. As a tradesperson, turning up to a new job in a clapped out vehicle can give your clients the wrong impression, irrespective of the quality of your workmanship.

Gary Holmes said “It would appear that business owners value the appearance of their vehicles and the knock-on effect it can have on their image. When competition for business is high, a shiny, well-kept vehicle can make all the difference.”

Join the van revolution

In 2017 it is expected vans will break the 50 billion mile mark on Britain’s roads. If your company has not joined up already, now is the time to sign up for the van revolution that will power British business for the foreseeable future. With Van Champ it’s never been easier to buy a van with a variety of funding, financing and leasing options available. Contact us to see what we can do for your business.