BRITAIN'S van drivers haven't had the best of reputations over the years, but new research suggests that today's van man is a totally different breed to his predecessors.

The research by Citroën UK debunks outdated stereotypes and suggests that van drivers in the UK are more health-conscious and wellbeing-motivated than pre-existing notions may have led many to believe.

Cooking and baking, gardening and arts and crafts were some of the most popular hobbies of van drivers uncovered in the study while exercise was also found to be a priority for van drivers.

Some 14 per cent of van drivers surveyed told Citroën they take up yoga and Pilates and over half said they actively go walking to stay fit while more than a third go to the gym to stay active. And almost half are more likely to read a broadsheet newspaper than a red-top tabloid.

The study of 2,000 UK drivers, including van drivers, was conducted by Citroën UK to assess whether the preconception of the ‘White Van Man' still existed.

Positively, the perceptions of van driver's road skills are also changing as almost two-thirds of all drivers said they were no more likely to report a van driver for poor driving than a car.

However, while the research highlighted many misleading stereotypes, it did reveal some common notions which could be considered accurate. A full English breakfast is still the morning meal of choice for over a third of van drivers compared to a quarter of car drivers, and van drivers are almost twice as likely as car drivers to take sugar in their tea.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director Citroën UK, said "It is clear that the habits and lifestyles of van drivers in the UK have moved on from the preconceptions of the previous decade."