White van man faces extinction as almost half of all drivers are now women

WHITE Van Man is running the risk of being overtaken on today’s roads — by women, a poll reveals.

Almost half those behind the wheel nowadays — 43 per cent — are females attracted by a more understanding culture in the trades.

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Two-thirds felt the van-driving community of brickies, electricians, joiners and others was more welcoming to female drivers than 25 years ago.

Mum Aurelija Meakin, 43, of Bromley, South London, delivers balloons in an electric Mercedes Sprinter.

She said: “I’ve noticed lots more women in vans and speak to a lot of female business owners so I’m not surprised so many women are behind the wheel of a van.

“It feels like you’re part of a community.”

The Mercedes-Benz Vans report said women are leaving behind the white van stereotype.

A quarter are veggies and half prefer an avocado on toast breakfast to a greasy spoon fry-up.

Nearly three-quarters choose a night in over the pub.

More than a third do yoga at the gym.

Sarah Palfreyman, of Mercedes Vans, said: “The old image of the van driver is changing into something that truly represents the people in the van driving community.”

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