FOR years it has been the company car for those more concerned about their tax bill than their personal image.

But now the taxman has set his sights on 'white van man'.

And from tomorrow roads should be free of white vans in the evenings and on weekends.

Under new rules, white van man and woman will be unable to use the company van for private use unless he pays a massive £3,000 tax bill every year the price of a second-hand car.

The Inland Revenue is aiming to clamp down on those who use their company van as a car and only pay the minimum £500 personal tax per annum to do so.

These regulations mean that he will not be able to use their company van for personal journeys, such as a booze cruise to Calais or even just a short trip out, shopping. Although fleet car users complain they pay through the nose for the perk, those who use the firm's vans for personal use are let off with a minimum personal contribution of £500 a year.

Over the years, this loophole has allowed thousands with access to a company van to enjoy near tax-free motoring.

But closing the loophole will not only be fairer to motorists but also prevent employee van drivers running company vans into the ground, the tax man believes.

Mike Waters, head of Market Analysis at Swindon-based Arval one of the country's largest leasing and fleet management firms believes the new regulations will be fairer to others.

He said: "The Inland Revenue will allow drivers to go back and forwards to work in their van.

"But unless drivers pay for the privilege they will not be able to misuse and potentially devalue their employer's property.

"The very occasional use of company vans for private purposes may be tolerated, but the Inland Revenue is drawing the line at those who effectively use the company van as a car." Mr Waters says employers will have to keep a close watch on White Van Man to ensure that he is abiding by the new rules.

Anthony Osborne