Parking problems increase stress for drivers, finds Mercedes Benz Vans

Poorly maintained roads and inadequate parking facilities are having a detrimental effect on van drivers and operators, according to new research from Mercedes-Benz Vans.

The Mercedes-Benz Vans Business Barometer, which monitors the opinions of more than 2,000 van drivers and owners, found that 90% of drivers feel there is a parking problem for vans.

This is demonstrated by the 56% that believe most parking spaces are too small even for cars, with inflexible parking bays (27%), no spots near client drop-off points (46%) and increasing ‘permit holder only’ (30%) areas also heightening stress.

Almost one-third (28%) said roads are in a poor or very poor condition, with road size (19%) and parking limitations (31%) contributing to a feeling that roads aren’t fit for purpose.

More demanding delivery schedules and potentially larger customer bases mean van drivers are having to use their time more efficiently than ever before: 53% of those who have had parking tickets recently said they had no choice and wouldn’t have been able to do their jobs properly otherwise.

As a result of all of this, 37% of drivers said they regularly experience stress while at work, with depression (15%) and anxiety (21%) compounding their problems and issues with working conditions.

Steve Bridge, managing director of Mercedes-Benz Vans UK, said: “The nation’s poorly maintained roads and parking spaces are having a definite negative impact on van driver mental health.

“These are basic requirements to fulfil their tasks – to park up safely, use their time effectively, and not risk damaging their vehicles, or themselves, just to get to and from their next job – and yet these just aren’t happening.

“It is very sad to learn that the state of our roads is having such an impact on the state of our hard-working van drivers.”