Most cut up over White Van Man

Almost half of people surveyed – 45 per cent – found the archetypal van driver aggravating. Close behind came mothers driving 4x4s on the school run, who were disliked by 44 per cent of respondents.

However, sluggish tractors were the most unpopular in rural Scotland – hated by 39 per cent of drivers there.

Other irritants highlighted in the “emotional response to driving” survey of 2,300 adults by used car website motors.co.uk included those behind the wheel of BMWs, who were disliked by 27 per cent of votes, and those with Range Rovers, on 19 per cent.

Motorists’ No1 pet hate was other drivers cutting them up, cited by 54 per cent. Taxi drivers were second at 34 per cent, followed by pensioners and cyclists, who were disliked by 32 per cent of those polled.

Phill Jones, commercial director of Motors.co.uk, said: “Take a deep breath and stay calm.”