That’s the finding of new research from Direct Line for Business, which showed that 31% of tradespeople use their van as a mobile office to manage their business while 11% sleep in their vehicle.
The research also showed that:
- Vans are also used as mobile dining rooms, with 45% of tradespeople eating their meals in their vehicle.
- 14% of builders, plumbers and electricians smoke in their vans.
- 9% of tradespeople play computer games in their vehicle on mobile phones to keep them entertained, with 2% going even further and installing consoles such as X-boxes and PS3s in their van.
- 4% have TVs in their vehicles.
In response, Melissa Hunt, business manager at Direct Line for Business, commented: ‘With tradespeople working long hours on the job, it is no wonder they often end up eating, managing paperwork and even sleeping in their vehicles. However, customising their van with the latest gadgets and installing entertainment centres may not only be a distraction and compromise their safety but it is unlikely to be covered if stolen.’
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