VAN drivers still have the worst reputation on UK roads according to research from Mercedes-Benz dealer S&B Commercials – and so it trying to whip up a fresh image to change the public perception and improve the profile.
According to a survey by ComRes, commissioned for the project, 25% of Londoners think ‘Van drivers are the least considerate road users’.
The idea of these videos is to identify what the public’s perception of a van driver is and to challenge negative stereotypes
This is despite changes in law and new technology to encourage safer driving and pedestrian safety. So, S&B Commercials has seen it as a personal challenge to challenge this stereotype, by publishing videos of their own customers that rely on their vans for business.
Called ‘Van Man Stories’, these videos showcase the work and passion of people behind the wheel of a van. The idea of these videos is to identify what the public’s perception of a van driver is and to challenge negative stereotypes.
One of the drivers featured is ice cream van driver and owner of Piccadilly Whip Catering Ltd Jon Bonar who has been in the trade for 34 years, and said: “I loved it from the day I started.”
Group marketing manager Jonathan Lingham from S & B Commercials said: “Despite the often quoted 90’s ‘white van man’ stereotype, we were surprised to see such a negative perception of commercial vehicle drivers.
“Our customers range from ice cream van drivers to independent taxi drivers, who commit to keeping a clean licence and a reliable van for their well-being.
“We want to show the public how good driving conduct is an essential part of a van driver’s work. These professionals spend a lot of their time in their vans and have some great stories to share.
“We hope with our customers’ letting the public into their lives, it can help improve perceptions of van drivers”.
Here’s a link to the Van Man Story on Jon Bonar.
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