An explosion of van use on the UK’s road network is helping create wages of up to £56 billion a year according to new research.

The rise in online shopping is said to be the source of the boom, with a growth of 59 per cent of vans on UK roads since 2000. A separate report from Ford suggests that vans helped contribute a total of €675 billion to the European economy in 2017.

Brits are statistically more likely to order their shopping online compared to our European counterparts, with 83 per cent of consumers here buying goods online compared to the EU average of just 60 per cent.

SMMT chief Mike Hawes said: “The UK’s van fleet is the backbone of our society, driving our economy and allowing millions of workers to carry out jobs that our country relies on. Industry is supporting these businesses by responding to a changing society, developing and delivering the cleanest and safest vehicles in history. To continue to thrive, this vital sector needs policies and incentives that encourage businesses to invest in the latest technology that best suit their needs to help them deliver for Britain.”

Fords own report confirmed that across Europe, the uptake of businesses trading on the use of vans was changing the face of the economy.

“Vans offer crucial support to a world where how we live, work and get about is quickly changing. This report shows that through their contribution to the wider economy, light commercial vehicles truly are the backbone of business in Europe,” said Hans Schep, general manager, Commercial Vehicles, Ford of Europe.

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