Customers requiring a rental car during the busy Easter and summer holiday periods need to book in advance if they want to avoid disappointment, the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association has warned.

The hire car shortage experienced last summer is likely to be repeated this year, particularly in tourist hotspots and at airports.

Rental companies have reduced their fleet sizes since the recession hit and have fewer vehicles with which to meet any bottlenecks in demand.

The industry is also hampered by government red tape and tax issues which can make it difficult for rental companies to move vehicles around Europe.