If you feel like the beloved British ice cream van is being frozen out, you’re not exactly wrong. Numbers have been noticeably dwindling across the UK, but many of us may not have realised how bad it had gotten in London, especially.
In a report looking at the number of ice cream vans that remain in every UK country, it was revealed that England ranked lowest and, out of every region in England, the capital came dead last.
There are 1,538 recorded ice cream vans in the UK, with 1,065 of those being located in England. This would suggest that England has the most, but it actually ranks lowest when it comes to the number of ice cream vans compared to the country’s population.
Scotland led impressively with around 58 vans per 1,000,000 people. Northern Ireland and Wales were second and third with around 38 and 25 vans per 1,000,000 people. England trails behind with around 18 vans per 1,000,000 people.
Amongst a series of disappointing regional results, the data shows that London only has 58 vans in total, with only 6 per 1,000,000 people. When compared to the smaller population of Greater Manchester, which has an impressive 117 vans, this makes the capital’s results look even worse.
When different parts of London were looked at, the stats would suggest that not every area has dire numbers, with South London having a reasonable 27 vans and West London having 22 vans. Areas like North London let the side down with a measly four vans recorded.
When looking at this data, Gerry Bucke, Adrian Flux general manager, said:
“Getting a cone from the local ice cream van means something to all of us, so these numbers are disheartening for business owners and customers in the UK.”
“Adrian Flux takes great pride in supporting ice cream van owners across all four countries, but it is clear that this beloved tradition will soon be on the way out if not addressed.”
In regard to why this is happening, there is evidence that points towards street and zone trading bans making it hard for ice cream vans to trade more freely.
London’s figures aren’t helped by street trading bans being approved across the city. Greenwich is the latest spot to have another ban voted for.
Despite London’s street and zone bans making the news, it isn’t actually the biggest offender. It doesn’t even make the top five.
Compared to the approximate 130 bans and restrictions London has, Lancashire has around 700, Wales has 650, Greater Manchester has 600, Tyne and Wear has 500, and West Sussex has around 400.
For those wondering if there’s a way to save the traditional ice cream van, Mr Bucke would add,
“While E-vans might be a reasonable solution to the ongoing environmental concerns, keeping any form of ice cream van on our streets will require consumers to be supportive of them.”
“If you’re lucky enough to still have a local ice cream van or spot one while you’re out and about, if you’re able to, have a cone for old time’s sake. A sweet treat and supporting a small business is a win-win situation.”
