Travel experts are warning that there could be a lack of hire car availability throughout Europe during the summer, as companies cut their fleets in order to reduce costs.

Waiting until the last minute could prove costly for many travellers relying on hiring a car as it could effect their whole holiday.

It’s practically unheard of for all operators to run out of cars, but during the busy Easter break, Malaga and Alicante airports were just two of the major routes that could offer no availability for car hire at all.

It was predicted that car hire costs would rise across Europe as summer approaches, due to the weakening pound, however this rise has failed to materialise. Companies instead are opting for reducing fleet sizes in a bid to save money.

Stuart Nassos, managing director of leading car rental company Holidayautos, noticed that some major car hire companies have reduced their fleets by up to 30% and he predicts problems with availability throughout the peak season.

Leading car hire company Avis, replied that although it is “running its fleet leaner than in previous years” it had the flexibility to move cars around to cope with demand.