UK orders 'white van man' study

The number of vans has risen sharply in the UK in recent years

A study to increase knowledge of the rapidly growing "white van man" sector on UK roads has been commissioned by the government.

There are three million light commercial vehicles (LCV) on the road, marking a 40% rise in 10 years.

There is a lack of knowledge about this sector "often unloved by motorists, pedestrians and regulators", said the Commission for Integrated Transport.

The study is the first attempt to get to grips with this "complex area".

"The study will also plug some major gaps in our knowledge of this flexible business tool so that policymakers in both Westminster and Brussels can make informed decisions without harming the vital role that vans play in our economy".

Richard Turner is leading the study on behalf of the Commission for Integrated Transport.

"To complete this work we are seeking the cooperation of the whole sector -companies, manufacturers, operators, drivers and customers," he said.

Areas to be examined include: how the market is regulated; the likely future growth and changes that could impact that growth; the congestion, road safety and environmental implications of such growth and possible steps to counter Co2 emissions.