Scrappage registrations now total 316,210, according to released today by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders.

Car registrations total 311,159 and LCVs 5,051.

SMMT chief executive Paul Everitt said: “Scrappage accounted for 17.8% of January new car registrations, the lowest percentage since the first full month of the scheme.

"With funding for over 60,000 vehicles still available, we welcome last week’s announcement by government to delay the scrappage close date into March.

"Scrappage continues to provide an important stimulus to the new car market, although the decreasing reliance on the scheme to deliver market growth is encouraging news for post-scrappage stability.”

The Government announced the extension of the scrappage scheme last week from the end of February to March 31. It has said there will be no additional funding to the £400 million already committed.