[phil-l]

There's a switch on the brake pedal assembly that controls the brake lights.

Try this: With the van cold (and, therefore, your brake lights stuck on) lift 'up' on the brake pedal by sliding your foot behind the pedal. Do the lights go off?

If so, the switch may be sticking, or has come loose from its mount. Or it's possible there's some other reason the pedal isn't returning to its normal height.