Fleet managers estimate 14% of their workforce’s time is lost as a result of congestion, as new analysis finds that it’s one of the biggest bugbears for drivers.
Commissioned by Mercedes-Benz Vans amongst 2,000 van drivers, owners and operators, the research found 61% of respondents say that they – or the company they work for – have lost business or customers as a direct result of congestion.
This figure peaks at 82% in Greater London and 66% in the West Midlands, while 75% of delivery drivers say they have lost business as a result of congestion.
The research also found that potholes are a key concern for drivers, with 60% saying pothole repairs should be the priority for the UK’s road network, ahead of better parking provision in towns (43%) and investment in bypasses to remove bottle-necks (34%).
The research found two-thirds have had to pay for van repairs in the last 12 months as a result of pothole damage – the average cost of this damage is £411 over the past year. Nearly one in 10 (8%) have had to spend £1,000 or more repairing vans as a result of pothole damage in the past year alone.
The research also identified a lack of van driver awareness over how smart motorways work, with only 28% claiming they definitely know how to use smart motorways.
Steve Bridge, managing director, Mercedes-Benz Vans, commented: “With almost 4.2 million van drivers on our roads – around one in 10 of all vehicles on our highways – the voice of this important group of motorists needs to be heard. Our research clearly highlights that potholes and congestion actually cost these hard-working business men and women serious amounts of money, both in repair bills and time lost, which isn’t acceptable.”
