A survey of over 2,000 people by finance specialist, Zuto, has revealed that agents are widely considered to be the UK’s best drivers by profession. Police officers and farmers come in at second and third, followed by chefs and artists.

The study also showed that 80 per cent of estate agents have never received a speeding fine, while a further 92 per cent have never even run a red light.

In contrast, more than half of accountants confessed to receiving a speeding fine, more so than any other occupation listed. And 10 per cent of those guilty of speeding were repeat offenders, with an average of five fines compared to the national average of one.

The survey also found that high-stress careers, such as those in the healthcare profession, struggle most with obeying road rules. Trickier manoeuvres, like the parallel park, test the patience of those in marketing and recruitment.

James Wilkinson, CEO of Zuto, said, “It’s interesting to see that our driving habits could be influenced by our jobs and it’s reassuring that occupations where people tend to drive others around such as estate agents and police officers, see driving habits and overall safety improve as a result.”

The findings of the study will please those agencies that provide their members of staff with a company car, and more so if they use company vehicles to enhance their firm’s brand presence within the areas in which they operate.

A car presence is often an indication of an estate agent’s strength and reputation as an established agent in a local area, demonstrating market share, which in turn should help to generate more business by acting as a visible sales tool.

In fact it could be argued that branded company cars which are “in your face”, as Gary Rose, Director at Planet Leasing describes it, are just as important as estate agency boards when it comes to marketing, if not more so, as they will dominate the local streets, providing the agency with maximum exposure.

“Leasing a vehicle offers an extended opportunity to promote a brand,” said Rose. “By not having a branded car you are effectively reducing your chances of attracting fresh business.”