The company's latest Pulse data also shows that year on year values are ahead by £210, equivalent to a 3% rise, with fleet cars averaging 96.72% of CAP Clean in December. 

The average used car value at BCA in December rose by £113 to £5,905 from the £5,792 recorded in November (and October). Performance against CAP Clean improved by over a point to 97.4% from 96.3% the previous month.  

Year-on-year, values are £283 behind December 2009, a fall of 4.7%. Values remain well ahead compared to December two years ago, however, with £1,042 separating the two figures.

BCA says that the heavy snowfall was a critical factor in the month, providing logistic challenges for buyers and sellers alike.While additional levels of business were transacted over web-based remarketing channels, many de-fleet collections had to be deferred as a result of the snow and stock levels fell sharply as a result. Even when vehicles were in situ and able to be sold, there were often logistical issues in getting vehicles delivered to the buyers.  

BCA's communications director Tony Gannon commented: 'December often sees a surge in prices as professional dealers acquire stock in readiness for the New Year and 2010 was no exception. However, the weather influence was a significant factor as it left remarketing centres very short of stock – on top of the traditional seasonal slow down and reduced trading period.'

He added: 'January generally brings a further uplift in activity, and this is typically sustained until the Easter period – which usually represents a watershed in demand. The months immediately ahead are unlikely to see any significant increase in available volumes, which means average values should remain relatively stable in the short term.'