Average used van values rose by 3.8% month-on-month to £4295 in April, according to Manheim Remarketing. Average age remained at 60 months and average mileage fell 2057 miles to 80,422.

When compared with April 2011, values were up 11.5% despite increases in age and mileage. Manheim said a shortage of supply compared to a year ago had driven up demand.

British Car Auctions said values rose by 1.0% month-on-month in April to £4271 while average age and mileage remained static.

BCA said values continued to be relatively strong in 2012 in the wake of the 20-month high of £4483 reached in January. It said values improved in the fleet/lease and dealer part exchange sectors in April following slight dips in March but values dropped in the nearly-new sector as a result of model mix.

“Supplies of good quality vans reaching the wholesale market remain limited and competition from buyers for the best examples remains intense,” BCA said.