Van sales in the UK are continuing to improve throughout 2011.
Figures from the Society of Motoring Manufacturers and Traders revealed that 38,644 new vans were sold in September 2011 - an increase on September 2010 when 35,309 vans were registered.
In the year to date, the number of vans registered in 2011 has reached 199,684, up strongly on this point last year when year-to-date sales stood at 168,554.
For the rolling year, van sales have reached 254,045 units, an increase of 19.5% compared to this figure back in September 2010.
Low Emissions Zone
An increase in the rate of van sales had been anticipated for September, with new emissions legislation in London expected to spur a rise in van owners trading in older models for new.
From 3 January 2012, owners of vans which were registered before October 2006 or fail to meet Euro 4 emission standards will have to pay a daily charge of £100 to drive in the capital city as part of changes to the Low Emission Zone (LEZ) scheme.
Failure to comply with this requirement can result in a more costly £500 penalty to a driver.
That has led many industry figures to predict an increase in new van registrations as motorists looked to replace their outdated vehicles and dodge the charges – however that sales surge failed to materialise last month, when the rate of growth in van sales slowed.
The LEZ operates 24 hours a day, every day of the year and vans are monitored by cameras watching the city roads. They record number plates and cross-reference them with a database of registered vehicles, keeping tabs on those who have failed to comply.