Congestion is the biggest source of stress for UK business drivers, according to research that suggests traffic delays are affecting people whose working day depends on getting from one job to the next.
A survey commissioned by fleet leasing company Alphabet found that 19% of business drivers experience stress every time they get behind the wheel. Some 42% reported feeling stressed while driving at least once a week, while only 6% said they never found driving stressful.
The findings are relevant to van operators as well as company car drivers, particularly those working to delivery windows, travelling between customer appointments or making multiple stops in urban areas.
The research covered both company car and commercial vehicle users, so the headline percentages should not be interpreted as van-only figures.
Heavy traffic and congestion were identified as the single biggest source of stress by 33% of respondents. Poor road conditions followed on 22%, while 15% cited aggressive or inconsiderate driving by other road users. Another 10% pointed to pressure from employers to meet tight schedules or arrive on time.
Workers in delivery services were among those most affected, with 48% saying they experienced driving stress at least weekly. The equivalent figure was 45% for logistics workers and 50% for those employed in manufacturing.
The study also found differences by age and region. Among respondents aged 18 to 24, 52% reported stress at least once a week. The East Midlands recorded 55% and the North West 54%, compared with 23% in Wales and 17% in Northern Ireland.
Women were more likely than men to report weekly stress, at 48% compared with 40%. These are survey results rather than measurements of individual journeys or traffic levels.
Alphabet argues that better journey preparation can reduce avoidable pressure. For van operators, that means checking traffic, roadworks and weather before departure, then allowing realistic time for deliveries and appointments rather than assuming roads will remain clear.
Nick Bartley, head of customer development at Alphabet, said: “Many of us hop into a car or van without giving a second thought to the task at hand. For some, a greater degree of planning and preparation can help to alleviate some of the road-based strain.”
The company also recommends checking vehicle condition before setting off, especially when using a shared or hired vehicle. Drivers should adjust seats and mirrors properly and understand the vehicle’s warning lights. Driver assistance systems can help with the workload, but do not remove the need to pay attention.
Regular breaks and reducing distractions are also part of the advice. Alphabet suggests considering whether business calls really need to be taken on the move, even when hands-free equipment is available.
The research was carried out between 30 June and 8 July 2026 among 500 professionals who drive a company car or commercial vehicle as a significant part of their work.
