Almost half of van drivers treat their vehicle as a quiet space

Britain’s vans are doubling as offices, dining rooms and occasional bedrooms, according to new research commissioned by Peugeot.

The survey found that 43% of people who drive a van for work regard it as their “quiet space”, while 34% describe it as their office and 29% use it to escape workplace stress.

That might not be surprising when the average respondent spends 17 hours a week inside their van. One in five went as far as calling it a second home.

Lunch is commonly eaten behind the wheel, too. Almost half of those surveyed spend their lunch break in their van, doing so on an average of four days each week.

Packed lunches remain the most popular choice, ahead of supermarket meal deals and fast food. The favoured dining locations are worksites and supermarket car parks, although 31% seek out a scenic spot or local beauty spot.

Radio provides the soundtrack for 64% of van-based lunch breaks, while 55% scroll through social media. Others use the time to call friends or relatives, catch up with the news or tackle work emails and admin.

Nearly one in five admitted to having a nap, with the same proportion watching television, films or sport.

Comfort therefore matters almost as much as working practicality. Air conditioning was the most valued interior feature for 62% of drivers, followed by storage, adjustable seats and smartphone connectivity.

Steve Wass, managing director of Peugeot UK, said: “The work van is so much more than a means of getting from job to job. It’s an office, and crucially somewhere for van drivers to take a well-earned break.”

The research also illustrates how frequently vans spill over into their owners’ private lives. Almost two-thirds use theirs for shopping, 49% visit friends and family in it, and 26% use the work van for the school run.

Some even come prepared for an overnight stay: 10% keep a bed or bedding in their vehicle. Whether that reflects careful forward planning or an exceptionally long working day wasn’t revealed.

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Phil Huff

Phil Huff, a seasoned automotive journalist since 2011, specialises in new car and van launches for national and regional newspapers, magazines, and online platforms. As the editor of light commercial vehicle publications Professional Van and Professional Pickup, Phil delivers high-quality content for a UK audience of LCV owner-operators and small business users.