New van registrations rose by 9.4% in September, according to new figures from the Society of Motor Manufacterers and Traders (SMMT).

The rise is a contrast to the private car market, where sales fell, but continues a trend seen in commercial vehicle sales throughout 2011 – van sales are up 19.5% over the year to date and 254,045 vans have been sold so far this year.

According to the SMMT figures, van sales in the 2.0t+ market have been particularly strong. One reason for this might be the impending LEZ rule change, which will mean that any vans registered before 2002 will have to pay £100 to enter the London Low Emissions Zone from the start of 2012.

Commenting on the figures, Paul Everitt, SMMT Chief Executive, said:

“Confidence returned to the commercial vehicle market in 2011 and the September market continues the upward trend, growing 8.8% on last year. The future state of the economy is certainly a concern, but it’s clear that owners and operators are currently investing in new, fuel-efficient vehicles to help weather the storm of high fuel prices.”