For hire car customers 2009 has been a year of confusion. Early forecasts painted a gloomy picture and operators made a raft of cut-backs.

Up until July, with the exception of the traditional Easter peak period, business remained slow and many smaller firms were forced into closure and lay-offs.

However, an unexpected summer surge in tourism meant a sudden demand for vehicles which outstripped supply.

Much of the activity surrounding car hire is dependent on airline passenger numbers. Frequently rental car companies are at the mercy of travel agents and airlines. As jet fuel prices rose passenger numbers fell.

The recession also led to ‘Staycations’, with many people choosing to explore their own country or region rather than pay hefty travel costs. This in turn led to reduced fleets, no new car purchases and underperforming depots.

The last two months have provided some respite, as cheap flights to European destinations and warmer weather have led many people to the airport and consequently to the car bookings office. Spain in particular was inundated with arrivals and many travellers returned home with hire car horror stories of exorbitant costs, long waiting lists or even being stranded at airports as they had not pre-booked.

The outlook for the remainder of the year remains cloudy. The best advice is to monitor comparative online resources and wherever possible book in advance.