Van drivers rank ‘not being left enough space’ as biggest annoyance

Almost a third (31%) of van drivers have ranked not being left enough space on tight roads as their biggest annoyance in a new survey by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

The study reveals the biggest challenges that van drivers face on UK roads day-to-day.

Tailgating and vehicles sitting in vans’ blind spots were also listed among the top bugbears.

Fellow drivers leaving tight parking spaces or narrow bays in car parks ranked second alongside not being let out into traffic.

More than a quarter (26%) of van drivers listed being cut up at roundabouts or cyclists coming up alongside their vans at a junction as the greatest faux pas.

A further 23% of van drivers ranked motorists sitting in their blind spots as the most annoying road habit.

Claire English, head of fleet at Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, said: “Following a few months where many van drivers and key workers have had the roads almost to themselves when carrying out their vital work, it seems a fitting time to remind all road users to drive considerately and help each other out. Some situations are of course unavoidable, but this survey reveals the most common mistakes and habits that can cause difficulties and in some cases distress on the roads.”

Tailgating was also listed with 21% of UK van drivers listing it as their biggest gripe. Tailgating is in fact one of the most common causes of van accidents on UK roads, causing 10 injuries a week.

“As part of our Working With You promise, we’re committed to improving the driving experience for all of our customers which is why we offer leading driver assistance systems such as Lane Change Assist – Side Scan to help with blind spot monitoring, AEB to help prevent tailgating incidents and even Park Assist, with rear view cameras, to help with even the tightest parking spaces,” English added.

Van drivers’ top 10 biggest annoyances:

• Not being left enough space to get through tight roads (31%)
• Small parking spaces (30%)
• Not being let out into traffic (30%)
• Cyclists coming up alongside a van at a junction (26%)
• Being cut up at roundabouts (26%)
• Drivers sitting in your blind spot (23%)
• Tailgating (23%)
• Getting trapped in yellow boxes by cars braking in front of you (21%)
• No annoyances (11%)
• Other (1%)