There are more vans on our roads than ever before, with the number of registered LGVs in Britain increasing by over 700,000 (26%) since 2003 to 3.3 million in 2013.
The biggest rise is in the number of silver coloured vans registered. Just 3% (75,173) of vans in use in 2003 were silver; now 11% (368,285) are this colour. This represents 390% more sliver vans on the road than in 2003.
Historically, blue vans were the second most common on British roads but their popularity has dropped from 14% of all vans in 2003 to 10% in 2013. Red has seen a dramatic decrease from 11% in 2003 to just 7% in 2013.
In the last 12 months, the analysis by Direct Line for Business showed that the number of registered LGVs in Britain has increased by two per cent from 3.28 million to 3.35 million.
Jazz Gakhal, Head of Direct Line for Business, commented: ‘White vans have assumed their own place in modern British folklore, transporting the goods and services for businesses across the country. The increase in the number of LGVs purchased in the last 12 months is a healthy sign that small businesses and tradesmen are investing in their enterprises and potentially expanding.’
The term "White Van Man" is so iconic it was registered with the Trade Marks Registry under the Trade Marks Act 1994 of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. A host of television and media outlets including Top Gear, the leading motoring television show, have even hosted their own White Van Man Challenge, highlighting the enduring popularity of these vehicles in British motoring culture.