According to Aston Barclay, the traditional Easter dip in sales has arrived several weeks earlier than expected, as shown by a reduction of 15% in sales conversion figures for March and early April, against the same period last year.

David Scarborough, Aston Barclay's commercial director, believes the current economic uncertainty, the high value of cars compared to one or two years ago and the constant media coverage of government cut backs could well be driving sales down.

He said: 'Traditionally, the car auction industry experiences a dip in sales around Easter but the signs are showing that it has arrived earlier than expected. We won't be pressing the panic button, however if vendors want to sell their vehicles, our advice is to be realistic when valuing vehicles for part exchange and setting reserve prices.'

Scarborough added: 'While our auctioneers work tirelessly to attain the best prices for our vendors, the reality is if the prices required are unrealistic against condition or desirability, vehicles won't sell.'