Where seized cars go, and what it costs to get them back

To find your vehicle

• Produce documents at the police station specified on the seizure form
• They will also be able to tell you where your vehicle is being kept and where it can be collected from.' Vehicle Recovery Office: 01278 646505 / 01278 646500
• If the nominated station is closed, attend one of the 18 prescribed stations listed (Bath, Bridgwater, Broadbury Road, Burnham-on-Sea, Chard, Chipping Sodbury, Fishponds, Frome, Keynsham, Kingswood, Minehead, Nailsea, Patchway, Shepton Mallet, Southmead, Taunton, Weston-super-Mare Town Hall, Yeovil)

Charges quoted

Removal Type 1 (<=3.5t MAM): GBP 192 on road, upright, not substantially damaged (same for any two-wheeled vehicle); GBP 320 on road, not upright or substantially damaged; GBP 256 off road, upright, not substantially damaged; GBP 384 off road and damaged. Type 2 (3.5-7.5t): GBP 256 / 832 / 512 / 1,089. Type 3 (7.5-18t): GBP 448 / unladen 2,561 laden 3,842 / unladen 1,281 laden 1,921 / unladen 3,842 laden 5,763. Type 4 (>18t): GBP 448 / unladen 3,842 laden 5,763 / unladen 1,921 laden 2,561 / unladen 5,763 laden 7,684.; storage Type 1 GBP 26; two-wheeled vehicles GBP 13; Type 2 GBP 32; Type 3 GBP 38; Type 4 GBP 45.; disposal Type 1 GBP 96; two-wheeled vehicles GBP 64; Type 2 GBP 128; Type 3 GBP 160; Type 4 GBP 192.

• Cost is dependant on the vehicle type, position, and condition
• There is also a daily storage charge.' Figures match The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations 2023. No VAT note on the page

Time limits stated

• You are legally required to make contact with the police within 7 calendar days of the date of seizure notice or letter to claim your vehicle
• If contact is not made the police have the authority to dispose of the vehicle
• If contact is made this can be extended to 14 days.' Disposal section: 'vehicles will be disposed of within 7 days
• However, if contact is made with the Vehicle Recovery office, this time increases to 14 days

Bring

• Vehicle seizure form; proof of identity with valid photo ID (passport, valid driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document); valid driving licence (UK photocard, or old paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport/ID card; non-EU/EEA licence plus IDP or official translation plus passport/immigration evidence)
• a valid certificate of motor insurance that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority ... even if you do not intend to drive it on a public road' (electronic copies on a mobile device, or emailed direct from the insurer, accepted); proof of ownership: full V5C in your name plus proof of address, or an unaltered in-date V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale plus proof of name and address; if over three years old without MOT, evidence of a pre-booked MOT appointment or arrange recovery at your own expense

Also

• Force has its own site, not the shared police.uk template, and is the only force in A-L that prints the fee table
• Station validates documents, then 'an email will be sent to the recovery agent authorising the release of your vehicle; you then attend 'the vehicle recovery operators pound' during its stated opening hours
• We do not allow vehicles to be removed from a pound without insurance on a trailer of any kind.' Owner must attend in person unless out of the country, in custody, in hospital, immobile or compelling circumstances (third party brings evidence, letter of authority and copy of owners passport/licence)
• No repairs at the pound; staff may help with jump starting against an indemnity form
• Disputed seizure: pay first, then complain for a possible refund

To find your vehicle

• Attend a designated police station; the enquiry office stamps the seizure paperwork 'which you can then take to the recovery compound holding your vehicle (the address will be on the paperwork)
• Designated stations (shared Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire list): Luton Police HQ, weekdays 9am to 5pm, weekends closed
• Parkside and Thorpe Wood (Cambridgeshire), weekdays 9am to 5pm, weekends closed
• Hatfield and Stevenage (Hertfordshire), 8am to 8pm weekdays, 8am to 8pm Saturday, 10am to 8pm Sunday
• Watford, 8am to 8pm weekdays and 8am to 8pm Saturday

Charges quoted

• Refers to The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (2008 Regulations for seizures before 6 April 2023)
• These charges are set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle.' 'the daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after the vehicle was seized.' Release and storage fees are paid to the recovery operator

Time limits stated

• within 14 working days, you go to one of our designated police stations
• Your vehicle will be held at an assigned recovery agent compound for 14 working days from midnight on the day of the seizure
• After this time, if its not collected, it may be scrapped or sold.' Registered keeper who was not driving: letter by recorded delivery, '14 days from the date the letter was posted
• Disclaiming: no action needed, disposed of after 14 days

Bring

• Originals, not copies: seizure notice; valid V5C (log book in your name) or new keeper slip; valid certificate of insurance (it must show the registration mark of the vehicle being released); driving licence (passport plus paper counterpart accepted if no photocard); valid MOT certificate or proof of a pre-booked MOT, if required
• Legal owner without V5C: verifiable proof of purchase naming the previous keeper, plus a V62 completed at the station and a GBP 25 postal order payable to 'DVLA SWANSEA

Also

• Page text is identical to Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire (BCH tri-force collaboration)
• Owner must attend in person unless out of the country or compelling medical/compassionate circumstances
• Motor traders need a stock book or similar as evidence of trading
• Vehicles not UK-registered: visitors bring seizure notice, proof of ownership, licence, insurance, photo ID
• No repairs or jump starting at the pound

To find your vehicle

• Attend a designated police station; stamped seizure paperwork is taken 'to the recovery compound holding your vehicle (the address will be on the paperwork)
• Cambridgeshire designated stations: Parkside and Thorpe Wood, weekdays 9am to 5pm, weekends closed (Luton Police HQ and the Hertfordshire stations Hatfield, Stevenage, Watford are also listed)

Charges quoted

• Refers to the 2023 Regulations (2008 Regulations before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage starts from midday on the next working day after seizure; paid to the recovery operator

Time limits stated

14 working days to attend a designated station; held at the compound 14 working days from midnight on the day of seizure, then may be scrapped or sold; keeper letter: 14 days from posting; disclaimed vehicles disposed of after 14 days

Bring

• Originals, not copies: seizure notice; valid V5C or new keeper slip; valid certificate of insurance showing the registration mark of the vehicle; driving licence; valid MOT certificate or proof of a pre-booked MOT, if required
• Owner not keeper: verifiable proof of purchase plus V62 at the station plus GBP 25 postal order to 'DVLA SWANSEA

Also

• Identical shared BCH page (see Bedfordshire)
• Operator and compound not named
• Impounded-vehicles page also generic

To find your vehicle

• You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation you need on the seizure notice.' Attend 'one of the police stations listed on the seizure notice; release is done 'at a helpdesk
• Impounded-vehicles page: vehicle kept at 'one of our recovery operator depots

Charges quoted

• You'll also have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges.' Refers to the 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• vary depending on the weight, condition and location of the vehicle; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure
• Owner liable for the disposal charge if not reclaimed

Time limits stated

You have seven working days from the date of the seizure to go to one of the police stations listed on the seizure notice.' 'If you don't go to the police station within 14 days, your vehicle will be disposed of and the owner will liable for the disposal charge.' Impounded page: disclaimed vehicles disposed of after 14 days

Bring

• Not listed on the page: 'the ID documentation you need [is] on the seizure notice
• MOT: evidence of a pre-booked MOT appointment, or arrange recovery, if over three years old without a current MOT

Also

• Minimal template page
• Impounded-vehicles page: 'You won't be permitted to enter a storage compound to see your vehicle before collection; disposal fee payable at the recovery operators depot if you disclaim 'unless seized under a S165

Recovery operator

• City of London Police operates its own pound at Bishopsgate Police Station (no external operator named)
• Vehicles seized on behalf of City of London Police by the Metropolitan Police Service' are dealt with via the Met website

To find your vehicle

• Contact the pound on 0207 601 2157 before attending
• Reclaim is done at the pound itself (go to the correct pound and bring the correct documents); no police-station step

Charges quoted

• Refers to the 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police
• the daily storage charges start from midday the day after the vehicle was seized
• There are no charges to pay if the vehicle is left at the pound for disposal

Time limits stated

• You are legally required to go to the pound within seven working days of the date on the seizure notice or notice letter to reclaim your vehicle.' Disclaiming: 'you don't need to take any action
• We'll dispose of it after 14 days

Payment

• We only accept debit cards
• We can't accept payment over the phone; the cardholder must come to the pound

Bring

• Proof of identity (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document
• We won't accept a student or employers ID); valid driving licence (UK photocard, or paper licence plus photo ID
• EU/EEA plus passport/ID; non-EU/EEA plus IDP or translation plus passport/immigration evidence)
• a valid certificate of motor insurance that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority ... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (electronic copies, or fax/email direct from insurer, accepted); proof of ownership: full V5C in your name plus matching proof of address, or unaltered in-date V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale plus proof of name and address
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Only A-L force that publishes a pound address, phone and hours
• Owner must attend in person unless out of the country, in custody, in hospital, immobile or compelling circumstances (third party brings evidence, letter of authority, copy of owners passport/licence)
• Derestricted mopeds returned only to a parent/guardian of a rider aged 16 or under, with a signed undertaking
• Must declare the seizure and pending convictions to the insurer. No repairs at the pound

To find your vehicle

You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation you need on the seizure notice.' Impounded-vehicles page: vehicle 'being kept at a local garage

Charges quoted

• You'll also have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges.' 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• vary depending on the weight and condition; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure
• Disposal charge payable if not reclaimed

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to the police station.' 'If you don't go to the police station within seven days, your vehicle will be disposed of and you'll have to pay the disposal charge.' Impounded page: disclaimed vehicles disposed of after 14 days

Bring

• Not listed: documentation 'on the seizure notice
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Minimal template page; no stations, operator, compound or insurance wording
• Impounded page: no access to the storage compound before collection; disposal fee at the recovery operators depot if disclaimed 'unless seized under a S165

To find your vehicle

• Attend the police station listed on the seizure notice
• the owner, registered keeper or nominee must go to one of these police stations during the front desk opening hours: Barrow, Carlisle, Kendal, Penrith, Whitehaven, Workington
• Once your documents are accepted, a release form will be sent to the garage
• Garages only release vehicles Monday to Friday in normal working hours

Charges quoted

• paying the statutory fees
• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police
• the daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after the vehicle was seized
• Impounded page (DVLA seizures): surety fee GBP 160 for motorcycles, light passenger and light goods vehicles, reclaimable if taxed within 15 days (56 days foreign-registered)
• V62 with GBP 25 charge if V5C not in new keepers name

Time limits stated

You have seven calendar days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle may be scrapped or sold.' 'All of the above must be done within 14 days or the vehicle may be sold or scrapped.' Property held 30 days

Bring

• For s165A: 'the appropriate drivers licence and/or insurance for the specific vehicle at a nominated police station
• You must show your certificate of insurance and it needs to cover the release of vehicles from police compounds.' Driving licence shown in person or shared online (complete before attending)
• Your vehicle will not be released without a valid driving licence.' MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery
• DVLA (untaxed) seizures also need proof of tax or a surety fee

Also

• Page also covers s59 Police Reform Act and DVLA seizures
• Unusual: 'You can sell a seized car while its impounded and a new owner can have it released' (needs V5C transfer and insurance)

To find your vehicle

• Email electronic copies of documents to OnlineContact@Derbyshire.PNN.Police.UK (link text 'email us) and 'wait for us to get in touch before you contact the recovery garage
• Process runs 9am to 5pm only
• Please don't attend the garage until you've received this confirmation.' Recovery operator sends the registered keeper a notice letter if they were not the driver

Charges quoted

• you must pay the statutory charges, including a daily storage charge
• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police or the recovery operator
• Owner also pays for removal of large items of property left in the vehicle
• Disclaimed vehicles: 'Theres no disposal fee in these circumstances

Time limits stated

• Disclaiming: 'you don't need to take any action
• We'll dispose of it after 14 days.' No other day count stated on the page beyond 'Further instructions regarding this process are outlined on the seizure notice

Bring

• By email: 'a valid driving licence' and 'a valid insurance certificate, for at least 30 days, covering the person who is to drive the vehicle from the recovery garage
• Registered keeper: photographic ID (passport, driving licence card or EU National Identity Card) and the V5C in their name (all pages), or proof of name and address matching the DVLA register (bank statement within three months, or current utility bill)
• Owner not keeper: photo ID; current V5C/2 new keeper slip dated within the last four weeks, unaltered; two proofs of current address matching the V5C/2; a 'recognisable' bill of sale or receipt from a verifiable source dated within four weeks (a hand-written note needs proof of payment too)
• Nominated driver: licence and an insurance certificate covering them to secure the release
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Email-first process (same wording as Leicestershire)
• Minimum 30-day policy means a one-day temporary policy is not accepted; a 30-day short-term policy is not excluded
• It may take some time for insurance companies to process our requests.' No repairs at the recovery operators premises
• Operator and garage not named

To find your vehicle

• The seizure notice will tell you which police station you need to attend to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation to take with you to prove ownership ..
• At the police station you will be told where to collect your vehicle from

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police
• the daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after the vehicle was seized

Time limits stated

This must be done within 14 days.' Property held 30 days

Bring

• Not listed: 'the ID documentation to take with you to prove ownership' is on the seizure notice
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Minimal page, identical to Dorset (alliance)
• A 2025 prior information notice for a 'Vehicle Recovery and Disposal Managed Service' exists on Find a Tender but no award was found

To find your vehicle

• The seizure notice will tell you which police station you need to attend ..
• At the police station you will be told where to collect your vehicle from

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

This must be done within 14 days.' Property held 30 days

Bring

• Not listed: on the seizure notice
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Text identical to Devon and Cornwall
• Operator and compound not named

To find your vehicle

You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation you need on the seizure notice.' Impounded page: vehicle 'being kept at a local garage

Charges quoted

• You'll also have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges.' 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023); storage from midday on the next working day after seizure
• Disposal charge payable if not reclaimed

Time limits stated

If you don't go to the police station within seven days, your vehicle may be disposed of and you'll have to pay the disposal charge.' Property kept a minimum of three months

Bring

• Not listed: on the seizure notice
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Minimal template
• Impounded page: 'Recovery operators retain property for a minimum of three months; disclaimed vehicles disposed of 'as soon as it has been disclaimed; disposal fee at the operators depot 'unless seized under a S165

To find your vehicle

• Pound-first process: 'You are legally required to attend the recovery operators pound within seven working days of your vehicle being seized
• Always call the recovery operator before attending their pound to make sure your vehicles ready to collect and isn't held for examination or further investigation
• You can only collect your vehicle from Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm.' Vehicle 'must be collected by the registered owner/keeper of the vehicle from the pound as directed by the recovery operator

Charges quoted

• You'll have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges when you collect the vehicle.' 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by the government, not the police
• If you don't want to collect your vehicle you'll still have to pay the disposal charge.' 'You'll not be charged for any period of storage that the vehicle was held for police examination or investigation purposes.' 'Daily storage charges start from midday the day after the vehicle was seized

Time limits stated

• Attend the pound within seven working days of seizure
• If after 14 days, you haven't met the legal requirements and collected the vehicle, we'll dispose of it. No extensions are given

Bring

• Proof of identity (driving licence, passport, national identity card, or an identity card issued by a reputable UK body such as HMRC or UK Visas and Immigration; no student or employer ID)
• Proof of ownership, no photocopies: Option 1 current full V5C in the owners name plus matching proof of address
• Option 2 (new owner) new keeper slip unaltered and dated within two months, proof of address, a reputable verifiable bill of sale dated within two months (not handwritten or altered), and a completed V62 (handed to pound staff with an envelope and stamp)
• Section 165 seizures only: the person driving away must have a valid driving licence (full UK/EU, provisional UK with supervisor, or non-EU subject to conditions) and 'a valid certificate of motor insurance
• The policy must permit the release of the vehicle from a police pound, even if theres no intention to drive it on a road or public place' (original certificate, electronic certificate on a mobile device, or a copy attached to an email direct from the insurer)
• until you've proved that you own the vehicle and confirmed your own identity we won't check any other documents

Also

• Covers s165A and s59 seizures
• Only the registered owner/keeper can collect; third party only if owner is abroad (power of attorney translated into English), in prison or hospital (letter on headed paper) or immobile (healthcare professionals letter)
• Deceased keeper: next of kin with death/medical certificate
• Company vehicles: letter of authority with company number, or hire agreement dated before impound
• Spare keys may be needed because 'The vehicle can't be released until the vehicle identification number (VIN) has been confirmed

To find your vehicle

• Notify intent to reclaim by email vehicle.liaison@gloucestershire.police.uk or telephone 01452 752681, then 'attend a Gloucestershire Police station with all documentation
• You pay the recovery agent when you collect your vehicle from the garage named on the seizure notice.' Vehicle Recovery Liaison Office, No 1 Waterwells Drive, Quedgeley, Gloucester GL2 2AF (postal address for the disclaimer form)

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police
• the daily storage charges start from midday the day after the vehicle was seized
• Disclaiming: 'you may still be responsible for recovery and storage fees

Time limits stated

• The registered keeper or owner needs to notify us of their intent to reclaim the vehicle within seven calendar days of its seizure.' 'Your vehicle will be disposed of after seven calendar days if you: fail to reclaim it; fail to comply with the requirements
• If you notify us of your intent the vehicle will be retained for a maximum of 14 calendar days

Payment

• You pay the recovery agent when you collect your vehicle from the garage named on the seizure notice
• Contact them direct to find out which payment methods they'll accept

Bring

• all documentation including ownership, MOT, Tax and insurance
• Please note seized vehicles will require compound insurance.' Photo ID (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document; no student/employer ID); valid driving licence (UK photocard / EU-EEA / non-EU with IDP rules)
• a valid certificate of motor insurance that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority ... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (emailed electronic copies accepted if genuine); proof of ownership: full V5C in your name, or unaltered in-date V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale, plus proof of name and address
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence (we'll check the appointment before authorising the release) or arrange recovery

Also

• Also covers untaxed-vehicle seizures
• Notice letter sent to the registered keeper if not the driver
• Disclaimer form (35KB download) posted to the Vehicle Recovery Liaison Office
• Operator and garage not named (the garage named on the seizure notice)

To find your vehicle

• Produce documents 'at the specified police station on the seizure notice
• If the notice says documents go to Operation Wolverine, make an appointment by email wolverine.tns@gmp.police.uk: Urmston Police Station, Sumner Way, Urmston, Manchester M41 0UB, 7am to 4pm Monday to Friday only
• Do not attend Urmston Police Station without an appointment.' 'If you haven't received a seizure notice as the owner or registered keeper, please contact Operation Wolverine.' After documents are recorded 'we'll tell the pound who the vehicle can be released to
• Take the seizure notice and your proof of identity documents to the pound.' 'You may need to check with the relevant compound or recovery agent their opening times

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You have seven calendar days to prove satisfactory ownership and provide a legitimate insurance for the vehicle at the specified police station on the seizure notice to reclaim your vehicle or it will be disposed of.' Disposals: 'Vehicle owners have seven calendar days to notify their intention to recover a vehicle, and a further seven calendar days to collect the vehicle once notification has been received
• Where no notification is received within the initial seven-day period, the vehicle may be disposed of ..
• Please note, this isn't working days
• There will be some discretion applied to this timeframe in exceptional circumstances such as a medical episode.' E-scooters: 14 days from the seizure notice
• Net sale proceeds may be claimed within 12 months (not e-scooters or off-road motorcycles)

Payment

Acceptable methods of payment vary but usually the following are accepted: cash (British currency only), Visa card, MasterCard, Maestro card, Solo card

Bring

• Valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document/British Residence Permit); valid driving licence (UK photocard, EU/EEA photocard plus passport/ID, non-EU/EEA plus IDP or translation plus passport/immigration evidence
• International driving permits are only accepted along with the international driving licence)
• a valid certificate of motor insurance that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority' (paper certificate or copies sent by email); proof of ownership: 'a valid full vehicle registration document (V5C) in your name together with proof of address
• Please note a V5 document is not overall proof of ownership
• You may be required to provide further evidence of ownership such as a purchase or credit agreement
• If you have a V5C/2 new keeper supplement, you'll need to register for a V5C before you can collect your vehicle.' MOT: take the vehicle only from the pound to a pre-booked MOT, or arrange recovery

Also

• Operation Wolverine is GMPs seized-vehicle unit
• Final document check happens again at the pound
• Pounds won't accept a seizure notice unless documents have been produced at a police station or permission has been given by Operation Wolverine.' Owner abroad must make initial contact with Operation Wolverine by email
• Driver at the time of seizure must inform the owner/keeper
• Must declare vehicle modifications and pending convictions to the insurer
• we will report all suspected fraud
• Pound(s) and operator not named

To find your vehicle

• Attend 'any police station in the force area where the notice was issued thats open to the public' (Hampshire notices at Hampshire stations
• Thames Valley notices at Thames Valley stations)
• The station issues a release notice and 'We'll automatically notify the pound of the release
• Take the release notice to the vehicle pound named on the notice.' Impounded page: 'If you're unsure which pound your vehicle was taken to, please call us on 101.' 'Pounds will be open on Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm

Charges quoted

• Charges are collected at the pound on behalf of the Chief Officer
• They aren't payable at the police station.' 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You must go to a police station within the force area where your vehicle was seized within seven working days of receiving the seizure notice to reclaim your vehicle.' Disclaiming: 'you don't need to take any action
• We'll dispose of it after 14 days

Payment

Acceptable methods of payment vary but usually the following are accepted: cash (British currency only), Visa card, MasterCard, Maestro card, Solo card

Bring

• Photo ID (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document; no student/employer ID); valid driving licence (UK photocard / EU-EEA plus passport / non-EU-EEA plus IDP or translation plus passport)
• a valid certificate of motor insurance that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority ... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (electronic copies on a mobile device, or fax/email direct from the insurer); proof of ownership: registered keepers bring the full current V5C showing them as keeper at the time of seizure plus matching proof of address, or a second proof of name and address matching the register (and the driver attends with photo ID if the keeper was not driving); new keepers bring an unaltered in-date V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale and two proofs of name and address, or a DVLA online verification email
• MOT: only take the vehicle from the pound directly to a pre-booked MOT, or arrange recovery
• At the pound: the release notice, photo ID and 'the means to pay the charges

Also

• Shared Hampshire/Thames Valley wording
• Pound staff check photo ID again so the same person who attended the station collects
• Can sell the vehicle after seizure if the keeper at the time of seizure attends with the new owner
• Derestricted mopeds returned only to a parent/guardian of a rider aged 16 or under
• Recovery operators collecting need a letter of authority
• Pound staff send the registered keeper a notice letter
• Pounds and operator not named

To find your vehicle

• Attend a designated station; stamped seizure paperwork is taken 'to the recovery compound holding your vehicle (the address will be on the paperwork)
• Hertfordshire designated stations: Hatfield and Stevenage, 8am to 8pm weekdays, 8am to 8pm Saturday, 10am to 8pm Sunday
• Watford, 8am to 8pm weekdays and 8am to 8pm Saturday (Luton Police HQ, Parkside and Thorpe Wood also listed)

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure; paid to the recovery operator

Time limits stated

14 working days to attend a designated station; held at the compound 14 working days from midnight on the day of seizure, then may be scrapped or sold; keeper letter: 14 days from posting; disclaimed vehicles disposed of after 14 days

Bring

• Originals, not copies: seizure notice; valid V5C or new keeper slip; valid certificate of insurance showing the registration mark of the vehicle; driving licence; valid MOT certificate or proof of a pre-booked MOT, if required
• Owner not keeper: verifiable proof of purchase plus V62 at the station plus GBP 25 postal order to 'DVLA SWANSEA

Also

• Identical shared BCH page (see Bedfordshire)
• Operator and compound not named

To find your vehicle

• The officer will also tell you which police station you need to attend to prove your identity and ownership of the car.' Station checks insurance with the MIB and completes a release form
• You can then go to the recovery agents garage with your form to pay the recovery and storage charges and collect your vehicle

Charges quoted

• pay the recovery and storage charges at the recovery agents garage
• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You have seven days to produce your documents and 14 workings days from the point of seizure to collect your vehicle
• After this it will be disposed of or sold.' Disclaiming: disposed of after 14 days
• Property held three months

Bring

• At the nominated station: 'a valid driving licence; certificate of insurance; proof of ownership (a V5C or V5C/10)
• Registered keepers: full current V5C showing them as keeper at seizure plus matching proof of address, or a second proof of name and address matching the register
• New keepers: unaltered in-date V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale and two proofs of name and address, or a DVLA online verification email
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Same wording as Lincolnshire for the MIB check
• Owner attends in person unless abroad or compelling circumstances; nominated driver needs letter of authority plus their own licence and insurance that allows them to reclaim a seized vehicle
• Operator and garage not named

To find your vehicle

You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle, which police station you need to go to and the documentation you need to take with you on the seizure notice.' Impounded page: vehicle kept 'at one of our recovery operator pounds; notice letter to the DVLA registered keeper

Charges quoted

You'll also have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges.' 2023 Regulations; for seizures before 6 April 2023 cites 'The Road Traffic Act (Retention and disposal of seized vehicles) Regulations 2005 - amended 2008; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure; disposal charge may be payable

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to the police station.' 'If you don't go to the police station within seven working days, your vehicle will be disposed of 14 days from the date of the seizure notice and you may have to pay the disposal charge

Bring

• Not listed: on the seizure notice
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

Minimal template

To find your vehicle

• Only the following police stations can provide the relevant release documentation for vehicles that have been seized: East Division: Accrington Police Station, 8-10 Broadway, Accrington BB5 1EY
• Burnley Police Station, Parker Lane, Burnley BB11 2BT
• Greenbank DHQ Police Station, Whitebirk Drive, Blackburn BB1 3HP
• South Division: Chorley Police Station, St Thomas Road, Chorley PR7 1DR
• Preston DHQ Police Station, Lancaster Road North, Preston PR1 2SA
• West Division: Blackpool DHQ Police Station, Gerry Richardson Way (off Clifton Road), Blackpool FY4 4FG (Sat Nav FY4 4US)
• Lancaster Police Station, Thurnham Street, Lancaster LA1 1YB
• Vehicles can only be released between the hours of 9am and 4pm, Monday to Friday, with the exclusion of Bank Holidays and Public Holidays.' After authorisation 'you ... will have to go to the vehicle recovery compound to collect it

Charges quoted

• Before the recovery agent will give you your vehicle, you must pay them the recovery and daily storage charges.' 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police
• the daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after the vehicle was seized
• They are applied every day, including the weekends and public holidays

Time limits stated

• If your vehicle is seized, you have 14 working days to go to one of the following police stations during the times specified with the correct documents
• If you don't, your vehicle may be sold or scrapped.' Non-UK registered vehicles in the import process: attend within seven days of seizure

Bring

• Originals, not copies: the seizure notice; the V5C (log book in your name); valid photo ID (passport or driving licence); your driving licence; a certificate of motor insurance
• Licence: UK photocard (paper licence plus passport/photo ID)
• UK provisional with a supervisor present at the station (over 21, full licence three years or more, supervisors licence produced, CBT certificate if needed)
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport/ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus IDP plus photo ID plus proof of immigration status
• Insurance: 'a valid certificate of motor insurance that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority ..
• This needs to be a policy of no less than 30 days (paper certificate or copies sent by email)
• No V5C: V5C/2 plus V62 at the station; legal owner not keeper: verifiable proof of purchase plus V62 plus GBP 25 postal order to 'DVLA SWANSEA
• Motor trader: V5C or V5C/3 plus stock book
• Non-UK vehicle: seizure notice, proof of ownership, licence, insurance, photo ID

Also

• Firmest minimum-term rule in A-L (no less than 30 days)
• Lancashire Constabulary do not permit the sale or transfer of ownership of a vehicle which is currently impounded. Also seizes vehicles that failed to stop where the driver is suspected unlicensed/uninsured
• Owner attends the pound in person unless abroad, in custody, in hospital, immobile or compelling circumstances
• Warning about abuse of counter staff

To find your vehicle

• Email electronic copies of documents to vehicleseizure@leics.police.uk (link text 'email us) and wait for confirmation 'before you contact the recovery garage; process runs 9am to 5pm only
• Notification of intent to recover 'must be provided in writing, either by email, letter, or in person at a police station
• Please don't attend the garage until you've received this confirmation.' Recovery operator sends the registered keeper a notice letter if they were not the driver

Charges quoted

• you must pay the statutory charges, including a daily storage charge
• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police or the recovery operator
• Owner pays for removal of large items left in the vehicle
• Disclaimed vehicles: 'Theres no disposal fee in these circumstances

Time limits stated

• you ... must notify us, or a vehicle recovery agent acting on its behalf, of your intention to do so within seven calendar days ..
• If no notification is received within that seven-day period, the vehicle may be sold, scrapped or otherwise disposed of without further notice
• Where notification ... is received within the seven-day period, a further seven calendar days will be allowed from that date for the vehicle to be collected.' Disclaiming: 'We'll dispose of it after 14 days

Bring

• By email: 'a valid driving licence' and 'a valid insurance certificate, for at least 28 days, covering the person who is to drive the vehicle from the recovery garage
• Registered keeper: photographic ID (passport, driving licence card or EU National Identity Card) and the V5C in their name (all pages), or proof of name and address matching the DVLA register (bank statement within three months or current utility bill)
• Owner not keeper: photo ID
• V5C/2 dated within the last four weeks, unaltered; two proofs of current address; a 'recognisable' bill of sale or receipt from a verifiable source dated within four weeks
• Nominated driver: licence and an insurance certificate 'covering them to secure the release of the vehicle for at least 28 days
• Provisional licence holders: supervising driver must also email their licence
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Email-first process (same wording as Derbyshire) but with a 28-day minimum rather than 30
• Seizure notice only sent 'if the driver has provided an email address
• No repairs at the recovery operators premises
• Operator and garage not named

To find your vehicle

• The officer will also tell you which police station you need to attend
• The town enquiry officer will check with the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) that the insurance is valid for the vehicle and driver and, if correct, will complete a release form. ..
• The release form will be sent to the Vehicle Recovery Department and the appropriate recovery agent
• You can then go to the recovery agents garage to pay the recovery and storage charges and collect your vehicle.' Vehicle Recovery: phone 01522 212448, email VRS@lincs.police.uk

Charges quoted

• pay the recovery and storage charges at the recovery agents garage
• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven calendar days after the vehicle has been released to collect your vehicle or it will be disposed of or sold.' Disclaiming: disposed of after 14 days. Property held 28 days

Bring

• At the nominated station: 'a valid driving licence; certificate of insurance; proof of ownership (a V5C or V5C/10)
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery
• Third party collecting: the documents above plus a letter of authority and a copy of the owners passport or driving licence, plus their own valid licence and insurance that 'allows them to reclaim a vehicle and drive it away from the recovery agents garage

Also

• Also covers SORN seizures
• Impounded page: 'you can contact your insurance company who, if you have the appropriate cover, will arrange collection on your behalf

Recovery operator

• Not named
• The release notice (by email or from the designated station) gives 'the phone number of the recovery operator' and 'the address where you can collect your vehicle
• Impounded page: 'Recovery operators are open for the release of vehicles from Monday to Friday, 9am to 1pm (please don't arrive any later than 12.30pm), excluding public holidays, and Saturdays from 8am to 12pm, by appointment only

To find your vehicle

• Email Operation Tango (tango@merseyside.police.uk) within seven working days with a picture of the front and back of your driving licence and your Certificate of Insurance; or attend a designated station in person. Please do not phone
• We can only deal with you in person.' The release notice then gives the recovery operators phone number and the collection address
• Impounded (non-165A) queries: Vehicle.Recovery.Administration@merseyside.police.uk

Charges quoted

• No figures published
• Statutory charges apply to most vehicles removed to a pound, depending upon the reason for removal.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations (seizures from 6 April 2023) and the 2008 regulations for earlier seizures
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday the day after seizure

Time limits stated

• Email Operation Tango 'within seven working days of the seizure
• No disposal period stated on the page

Payment

Payment should be made directly to the recovery operator when you collect your vehicle.' Methods not stated

Bring

• By email: picture of front and back of driving licence and Certificate of Insurance
• Foreign licence or foreign vehicle: attend Operation Tango at Birkenhead in person 'with all relevant documents, such as visas, importation documents, and if you are a trader you may need to attend in person with your stock books
• Motor trade or fleet policies, Motability customers, non-EU licence holders and foreign-registered vehicles are referred to the Tango office
• Bring driving licence as photo ID when collecting the vehicle

Also

• Unusual: Merseyside runs a central 'Operation Tango' unit at Birkenhead and asks for documents by email rather than phone
• Registered owners/keepers of the vehicle using a nominee to collect their vehicle must bring the nominee with them to the station.' Ten designated stations listed with hours; pounds themselves are not named

Recovery operator

The Met runs its own pounds: 'The Met has vehicle pounds at Charlton and Perivale, run by police staff and officers.' Removal to the pound is by contracted recovery operators (not named)

To find your vehicle

• The pound is named on the front of the form 3708 seizure notice
• you must go to the correct pound
• Telephone information line 020 7161 0944 (PDF)
• If you have any further questions, then you must attend the pound in person.' A registered keeper who was not driving gets a notice letter from the pound
• At busy times, a vehicle may not be available for collection for up to 8 hours after seizure.' Complaints about the seizure in writing to Metropolitan Police Service, VRES, Walmgate Road, Perivale, UB6 7LR or VRESComplaints@met.police.uk

Charges quoted

• No figures on the page or PDF: 'Details of the statutory removal and storage charges, set by the Home Office, can be found on the Met Police website' (which in turn links SI 2023/331 and the 2008 regulations)
• Set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle.' Daily storage charges start from midday the day after seizure
• There are no charges to pay if the vehicle is left at the pound for disposal.' 'The vehicle must be reclaimed, and the statutory removal and storage charges must be paid, even if the driver intends to dispute the offence

Time limits stated

• You are legally required to go to the police pound within seven days of the date on the seizure notice or notice letter to reclaim your vehicle.' PDF: 'claim the vehicle within 7 calendar days from the date of seizure
• Failure to do so will result in the vehicle and its contents being disposed of.' Disclaiming: 'We'll dispose of it after seven calendar days

Payment

• We can't accept payment over the phone; the cardholder must come to the pound
• We don't accept cheques or American Express card payments
• We do accept: cash (British currency only), Visa card, MasterCard, Maestro card, Solo card

Bring

• Proof of identity: passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document, Freedom Pass, Citizencard, Digital Tacho card, Driver CPC card, or a verifiable government agency ID (not student cards, employer ID, cash and carry, club membership, debit or credit cards)
• Proof of ownership: registered keeper brings full V5C, verifiable photo ID and proof of address matching the V5C; new keeper brings V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale/receipt or a DVLA online verification email, plus photo ID and two proofs of address; a new keeper after seizure must attend with the keeper at the time of seizure
• Valid driving licence (UK photocard; paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU/EEA ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus IDP or official translation plus passport or evidence of immigration status and date of arrival)
• Learner: supervisor 21 or over, qualified for that vehicle type, full licence 3+ years, not banned
• L plates; original CBT certificate for motorcycles
• Valid certificate of motor insurance (physical copy, electronic copy on your device which you must email to the pound, or copies emailed directly from the insurer)
• We won't accept public liability insurance or vehicles listed on home insurance policies.' PDF: 'All documents must be original and unaltered
• We do not accept photocopies.' MOT: valid MOT or evidence of a pre-booked MOT appointment unless leaving on a recovery truck

Also

• Seven days, not 14 (older 2022 notices said seven working days; the 2026 form says seven calendar days)
• Keeper must attend in person unless out of the country (flight tickets), in custody, in hospital, immobile, or compelling medical/compassionate reasons; third party brings the evidence, signed authority letter and copy of passport/licence
• No repairs on site; pound staff may help with jump starting against an indemnity form
• Documents are copied and retained on the pounds ELVIS system
• The Met is a DVLA Devolved Powers Partner and seizes untaxed vehicles too
• Scanned 2016 and 2022 instruction PDFs are also still hosted

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice: 'You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation you need to take with you on the seizure notice.' No phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations for pre-6 April 2023 seizures
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have 14 days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed of.' Property held 90 days

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice
• Property collection by a third party needs a signed letter of authority and a copy of the keepers passport or driving licence

Also

• Generic template
• MOT: over-three-year-old vehicle without MOT may only be driven from the recovery depot to an MOT station; without a pre-booked MOT on the day of collection you must arrange recovery at your own expense
• Norfolk gives 14 days to attend (most forces say seven)

To find your vehicle

Details of how to reclaim the vehicle, and the police station to attend, are on the seizure notice; no phone number or web form is published

Charges quoted

• No figures published
• Points to The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Regulations 2023 (seizures from 6 April 2023) and the 2008 Retention and Disposal regulations for earlier seizures
• These charges are set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle.' Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed of after 14 days.' Property left in a vehicle is held for three months

Bring

• Seized page: 'You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation you need to take with you on the seizure notice.' Impounded page (other seizures): valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document, Freedom Pass; student or employer IDs not accepted); proof of ownership (full V5C, or V5C/10 with a verifiable in-date bill of sale); valid MOT or evidence of a pre-booked MOT appointment; insurance certificate (If you don't have a valid insurance policy you can't drive the vehicle on the road
• You'll have to remove it from the recovery garage on a recovery truck)

Also

• Generic police.uk template page; no compounds, operators or phone numbers named
• MOT: a vehicle over three years old without a current MOT may only be driven from the depot to a pre-booked MOT test
• PG9/unroadworthy vehicles must be collected by a recovery operator at the owners expense
• Provisional licence holders must bring a supervisor over 21 with 3+ years licence and fit L plates
• Nominee may collect property with a signed letter of authority plus copy of the keepers passport/licence

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice: 'You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle on the seizure notice.' No phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations for pre-6 April 2023 seizures
• Daily storage charges start from midday the day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You have seven calendar days to go to the police station specified on the seizure notice and then to the recovery operator to collect your vehicle
• For further details refer to The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Motor Vehicles Timeframes (Amendment) Regulations 2026' (links to legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2026/704)

Bring

• Valid photo ID: passport, driving licence, EU national identity card or immigration document
• We won't accept a student or employers ID.' Nothing else listed

Also

• Very short page
• Seven calendar, not working, days

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven calendar days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed of.' Property held 28 days

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice

Also

• Generic template
• MOT rule (drive only to pre-booked MOT, else arrange recovery)
• Property retention is 28 days, shorter than most forces three months

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven calendar days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed of.' Property held 30 days

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice

Also

Generic template, identical to Northumbria apart from a 30-day property retention period

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed of after 14 days.' Property held 90 days

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice

Also

Generic template

Recovery operator

• Not named; the page refers to 'the Police Compound' and 'pound staff
• Pounds are open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm

To find your vehicle

• Vehicle Recovery Team: email vr@staffordshire.pnn.police.uk or call 01785 235134
• Station to attend is on the seizure notice

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to one of the police stations specified on the seizure notice to reclaim your vehicle or it may be sold or scrapped

Bring

• Valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document; not student or employer ID)
• Valid driving licence (UK photocard; paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus International Driving Permit or official translation, passport or evidence of immigration status and date of arrival)
• Valid certificate of motor insurance 'that permits the vehicle to be driven on a public highway... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (paper certificate, emailed copy, or certificate shown clearly on a mobile phone accepted)
• Proof of ownership: full V5C in your name plus proof of address (further evidence of purchase may be required); a V5C/2 holder must apply for a V5C before collecting
• Trade or business policies accepted only if they name the collecting driver and list the vehicle on the stock list, with stock books and VAT registration certificate, and the driver told the seizing officer they were driving for business

Also

• Keeper must attend in person unless out of the country or compelling medical/compassionate reasons; a nominee then brings the documents plus a signed authority letter and copy of the keepers passport/licence
• Property only released to owner/keeper or the driver at the time of seizure
• Recovery operators collecting from the pound need a letter of authority
• Pound staff send the registered keeper a notice letter
• Suspected insurance fraud reported to the insurer or MIB

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have 14 days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed of.' Property held 90 days

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice

Also

• Generic template, word-for-word the Norfolk page (joint Norfolk and Suffolk arrangements)
• 14 days rather than seven

Recovery operator

• Not named: 'the authorised garage' / 'contracted recovery operators under 'our approved Joint Vehicle Recovery Scheme Managing agent
• Authorised garages open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm; closed Saturday, Sunday and bank holidays (contact the garage operator directly to check if they offer any weekend or bank holiday appointments)

To find your vehicle

• Attend the nominated station marked on the seizure notice; after the stamp 'it is then your responsibility to go to the authorised garage' (not named)
• Insurance details can only be confirmed Monday to Friday 8am to 9pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm, Sunday closed
• No phone number published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• To release your vehicle you'll have to pay the statutory release fee for the vehicle removal direct to the authorised garage
• There will also be a fee for each day that the vehicle is stored
• The statutory fees are set in law and will not be waived under any circumstances.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• Daily storage charges start from midday the day after seizure
• Fees still apply if the vehicle leaves on a trailer or low-loader

Time limits stated

• You have seven working days to go to the relevant police station
• If after 14 days, you either haven't reclaimed the vehicle or haven't met the legal requirements to reclaim it, we'll dispose of it

Payment

Paid direct to the authorised garage; methods not stated

Bring

• Registered keeper/owner: driving licence suitable for that category of vehicle; a certificate of insurance authorising you to drive that vehicle; evidence of ownership (log book, bill of sale and DVLA documents)
• We won't accept faxed or photocopied documents; electronic versions issued by the insurer accepted if viewable on a suitable device
• Trade/open policies need supporting ownership documents (employer relationship, work instructions, records of work, payslips; stock book or trading records for motor traders)
• The seizure form issued at the roadside must be brought and stamped

Also

• By law, ownership cannot change once the vehicle is impounded; the vehicle will not be released to anyone who was not the owner on the date of seizure
• Trade-policy holders are sent to Woking
• A towed-away vehicle still needs the low-loader driver to attend with their licence and business insurance
• Page warns people are turned away for wrong documents or wrong station
• Conduct warning: abuse of counter staff may lead to arrest

Recovery operator

• Not named: 'the recovery operator whos holding your vehicle for Sussex Police
• Recovery operator premises office hours Monday to Friday, 9am to 5.30pm (for disclaiming)

To find your vehicle

• Attend one of six designated stations with the roadside seizure form; once stamped the officer tells and emails the recovery yard and you go to 'the garage/pound (check opening times first)
• No phone number published; station finder at https://www.sussex.police.uk/contact/find-a-police-station/

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• Daily storage charges start from midday the day after seizure
• If not collected or disclaimed, 'You'll then automatically be liable to pay the statutory recovery fee, 14 days of statutory storage fees and the disposal fee
• We could pursue this through court action.' Disclaiming stops further storage but you remain liable for recovery and storage to that point

Time limits stated

• You have seven working days to go to the relevant police station
• If after 14 days, you either haven't reclaimed the vehicle or haven't met the legal requirements to reclaim it, we'll dispose of it
• we're authorised to dispose of it on the fifteenth day after it was seized
• Contact the recovery operator if you cannot meet the 14-day deadline; in exceptional cases a vehicle can be kept longer at your cost

Bring

• Seizure notice issued at the roadside; penalty ticket (if applicable); proof of ownership, 'ideally... the V5C registration document' (new keeper supplement or printed receipt 'will not be accepted on face value); your driving licence
• your valid certificate of insurance, which must name the driver and be specific to the vehicle
• All documents must be originals, we won't accept faxes and photocopies.' At the pound: photographic ID and the insurance
• Trade/business insurance accepted only if it names the collecting driver and lists the vehicle on the stock list, with stock books and VAT registration certificate, and the driver declared business use to the seizing officer

Also

• Vehicle must be reclaimed by the person who owned it when seized; it cannot be sold while in police custody
• Disclaim with the seizing officer, at the recovery operators premises, or at Brighton, Chichester, Crawley, Hastings or Worthing
• Page also covers tax/SORN (DVLA leaflet; release handled by the recovery company) and foreign-registered vehicles

Recovery operator

• Not named (the vehicle pound named on the notice)
• Pounds will be open on Monday to Friday between 9am and 4.30pm

To find your vehicle

• Produce documents at any Thames Valley police station open to the public (notices issued in Thames Valley must be presented at a Thames Valley station
• Hampshire notices at a Hampshire station); the station issues a release notice naming the pound and notifies the pound automatically
• No phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Charges are collected at the pound on behalf of the Chief Officer
• They aren't payable at the police station.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You must go to a police station within the force area where your vehicle was seized within seven working days of receiving the seizure notice.' Disclaiming: 'you don't need to take any action
• We'll dispose of it after 14 days

Payment

Acceptable methods of payment vary but usually the following are accepted: cash (British currency only), Visa card, MasterCard, Maestro card, Solo card

Bring

• Valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document; not student or employer ID)
• Valid driving licence (UK photocard; paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus International Driving Permit or official translation plus passport or evidence of immigration status and date of arrival)
• Valid certificate of motor insurance 'that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (electronic copies on a mobile device, or copies faxed or emailed directly from the insurer, accepted)
• Proof of ownership: full current V5C in your name showing you as keeper at the time of seizure plus proof of address; without a full V5C, a second proof of name and address and, if the keeper was not driving, the driver attends with photo ID
• New keepers: unaltered in-date V5C/2 plus verifiable bill of sale and two proofs of name and address, or a DVLA online verification email
• At the pound: the release notice, photo ID and the means to pay

Also

• Vehicle must be reclaimed by the registered keeper or owner; a post-seizure new keeper must attend with the keeper at the time of seizure
• Keeper attends in person unless out of the country or compelling medical/compassionate reasons; nominee needs signed authority letter plus copy of passport/licence
• Pound checks photo ID matches the person who produced documents
• Derestricted mopeds returned only to a parent/guardian of a rider aged 16 or under who signs an undertaking
• Expired tax: vehicle may be seized again if driven
• Pound staff send the registered keeper a notice letter
• Separate 'Untaxed vehicles page at /vr/vehicle-recovery/of/untaxed-vehicles/

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• You'll also have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges..
• If you don't go to the police station within seven calendar days, your vehicle will be disposed of and you'll have to pay the disposal charge.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and 'The Road Traffic Act (Retention and disposal of seized vehicles) Regulations 2005 – amended 2008
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You have seven calendar days to go to the police station..
• If you don't go to the police station within seven calendar days, your vehicle will be disposed of and you'll have to pay the disposal charge

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need' is on the seizure notice
• Property only released to the owner/keeper or the driver at the time of seizure, with proof of ID (V5C or proof of ownership for the keeper); a collector on their behalf needs a letter of authority and proof of signature

Also

Generic template shared with West Mercia (alliance forces) but without West Mercias phone line or second seven-day period

Recovery operator

Not named; the forces 'Vehicle Recovery Scheme' office handles enquiries

To find your vehicle

• Vehicle Recovery Scheme: telephone 01905 747108 (Monday to Friday, 8am to 4pm) or email rm-vrs@westmercia.police.uk
• Station details are on the seizure notice

Charges quoted

• No figures
• You'll also have to pay the recovery and daily storage charges... your vehicle will be disposed of and you'll have to pay the disposal charge.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2005 regulations as amended 2008
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• Seven calendar days to go to the police station
• You have seven calendar days from the date the relevant seizure notice is issued to notify the relevant authority of your intention to recover the vehicle
• Where no such notification is received within that period, the vehicle may be disposed of
• Where you notify us of your intention to recover the vehicle within that period, a further seven calendar days from the date of notification will be allowed for collection
• If the vehicle is not collected within that further seven-day period, it may be disposed of

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need' is on the seizure notice
• Property only released to the owner/keeper or the driver at the time of seizure with proof of ID; a collector on their behalf needs a letter of authority and proof of signature

Also

Phone line and email published

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have 14 days to go to the police station listed on the seizure notice, otherwise your vehicle will be disposed.' Property held 28 days

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice

Also

• Generic template (www.west-midlands.police.uk redirects to www.westmidlands.police.uk)
• 14 days rather than seven

Recovery operator

• Six 'West Yorkshire Police contracted vehicle recovery operators, by area: Unit 1 Recovery (Kirklees North and South)
• Stoneywood Garage, Sowerby Bridge (Calderdale)
• Stoneywood Garage (Bradford South)
• Macadams Recovery (Bradford North and Keighley)
• The Mansfield Group (Wakefield and Pontefract); K D Bros (Leeds)
• They are acting as agents on behalf of West Yorkshire Police

To find your vehicle

• Phone the contracted recovery operator for the area where the vehicle was recovered (numbers above)
• Documents are produced at one of eight designated stations named on the seizure form
• Only these police stations can provide release documentation
• Written complaints about charges to West Yorkshire Police, Vehicle Recovery Unit, PO Box 9, Wakefield WF1 3QP

Charges quoted

• No figures on the pages; each links 'Statutory Charges applied in respect of removal, storage and disposal of vehicles to the schedule of SI 2023/331 (legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2023/331/schedule/made)
• The charges are made payable to the vehicle recovery operator who has collected your vehicle.' Storage charges 'continue on a daily basis while a V5C is awaited
• Disclaiming stops further storage but 'you may still be liable for the recovery and storage fees up to that point

Time limits stated

Attend a West Yorkshire Police station specified on the seizure form within 7 working days of seizure, between the hours of 09:00am and 4.00pm Monday to Friday.' 'From the date your car has been seized by the police you will have a total of 14 days to collect your car.' 'Vehicles unclaimed after 14 days from the date of seizure will be disposed of... unless specific instructions have been received to delay the disposal, which is at the discretion of West Yorkshire Police

Payment

Statutory payment to the recovery operator; methods not stated

Bring

• The Seizure Notice
• The V5 Vehicle Registration Document in the owners name
• A valid driving licence for the class of vehicle seized
• A valid certificate of insurance for the vehicle seized to enable the vehicle to be driven away.' Without a full V5C: new keeper slip with a completed V62 and substantive proof of purchase (auction or garage invoice
• Hand written receipts will not be accepted), or proof a V62 has been completed and paid for at the Post Office, and only if DVLA does not show a different keeper
• Licence: UK photocard; paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus International Drivers Permit or official translation plus passport or evidence of immigration status and arrival date
• Trade or business policies must name the collecting driver and list the vehicle on the certificate or schedule, with stock books and VAT registration certificate if applicable
• At the compound: the release form plus photographic ID

Also

• Old Drupal site, not the police.uk template; pages dated June 2023
• Station staff check tax and MOT before release and annotate the release note; untaxed vehicles must be taxed before release with proof shown to the operator
• Disclaim at the operators premises, a police station or via the form on the statutory notice letter
• Other recovery types (S99 RTRA obstruction, stolen, RTC, S59, untaxed) are released directly at the operator without a station visit

Recovery operator

• Not named (the recovery garage where your vehicle has been stored)
• A force 'Vehicle Recovery office' exists (contact extends the deadline) but no number is published on the page

To find your vehicle

• Attend one of three designated stations; after ID/ownership verification (this will take about an hour) you get a release notice naming the recovery garage
• A keeper who was not driving gets a recorded-delivery letter
• No phone number published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• You'll also have to pay the storage fees.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You have seven days from the date of receiving the seizure notice to reclaim your vehicle.' Keeper not driving: seven days from the date the letter was posted..
• However, if contact is made with the Vehicle Recovery office, this time increases to 14 days.' Imported-vehicle cases likewise seven days, 14 if the Vehicle Recovery office is contacted

Bring

• Originals, not copies: seizure notice
• V5C (log book in your name); photo ID (passport or driving licence); driving licence (UK photocard; paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• UK provisional with a supervisor over 21 holding a full UK/EU licence for 3+ years who also produces their licence, plus CBT if needed
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU ID in the same name; non-EU/EEA licence plus international driving permit, additional photo ID and proof of immigration status); certificate of motor insurance 'that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (paper certificate or emailed copies)
• Untaxed/SORN seizures: a valid tax certificate
• No V5C: V5C/2 plus V62 at the station
• Legal owner not keeper: verifiable proof of purchase with previous keeper details, V62 and £25 postal order to 'DVLA SWANSEA
• Motor traders: V5C or V5C/3 plus stock book evidence with date and time of purchase

Also

• Same full template as North Wales. Also covers untaxed/SORN seizures (two months and one day untaxed)
• Keeper must attend in person unless out of the country, in custody, in hospital, immobile or compelling medical/compassionate reasons; third party brings evidence, signed authority letter and copy of the keepers passport/licence

To find your vehicle

• if the driver gave the officer an email address, a seizure notice will have been sent to them' with the station and documents; otherwise 'the officer will have told them which police station to go to
• After proving identity at the station 'you'll be able to collect your vehicle from the recovery garage

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

• You have seven working days to go to the relevant police station to prove your identity
• No disposal period stated

Bring

• Not listed: on the seizure notice / told by the officer
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Minimal template; emailed seizure notices
• Impounded page: 'one of our recovery operators, unnamed; without insurance the vehicle must leave 'on a recovery truck

To find your vehicle

• You'll find the details of how to reclaim your vehicle and the ID documentation you need to take with you on the seizure notice
• You have seven working days to go to the police station listed on the form

Charges quoted

• 2023 Regulations (2008 before 6 April 2023)
• set by government, not the police; storage from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to the police station listed on the form.' No disposal period stated

Bring

• Not listed: on the seizure notice
• MOT: pre-booked appointment evidence or arrange recovery

Also

• Minimal template
• Impounded page: 'one of our recovery operators, unnamed; without insurance the vehicle leaves on a recovery truck

Recovery operator

• Not named (the recovery agent
• the vehicle recovery compound)

To find your vehicle

• Attend one of the six designated police stations within seven working days with the documents; once release is authorised you go to the vehicle recovery compound (not named on the page)
• No phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Before the recovery agent will give you your vehicle, you must pay them the recovery and daily storage charges.' Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure and 'are applied every day, including the weekends and public holidays

Time limits stated

• You have seven working days to go to one of these police stations..
• If you don't, your vehicle may be sold or scrapped.' Imported-vehicle cases: attend within seven days of the date of seizure

Payment

Paid to the recovery agent at the compound; methods not stated

Bring

• Originals, not copies: seizure notice
• V5C (log book in your name); photo ID (passport or driving licence); driving licence (UK photocard; old paper licence needs passport or other photo ID
• UK provisional licence holders must bring a supervisor over 21 with 3+ years full licence who also produces their licence, plus CBT certificate if needed
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus international driving permit, additional photo ID and proof of immigration status); certificate of motor insurance 'that permits the release of a vehicle impounded by a government authority... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (paper certificate or copies sent by email accepted)
• No V5C: bring V5C/2 and complete a V62 at the station
• Legal owner not registered keeper: verifiable proof of purchase with previous keeper details, V62 and a £25 postal order to 'DVLA SWANSEA
• Motor traders: V5C or V5C/3 plus stock book evidence with date and time of purchase

Also

• Keeper must attend in person unless out of the country (e.g. flight tickets), in custody, in hospital, immobile, or compelling medical/compassionate reasons, in which case a third party brings evidence, a signed letter of authority and a copy of the keepers passport/licence
• Owner may sell the vehicle after seizure by attending with the new owner
• No MOT: drive only to a pre-arranged MOT test
• Expired tax: vehicle may be seized again if driven
• Suspected insurance fraud is reported to the insurer or MIB

To find your vehicle

On the seizure notice; no phone number or form published

Charges quoted

• No figures
• Points to the 2023 Amendment Regulations and the 2008 regulations for pre-6 April 2023 seizures
• set by government, not the police, and vary depending on the weight and condition of the vehicle
• Daily storage charges start from midday on the next working day after seizure

Time limits stated

You have seven working days to go to one of the police stations listed on the seizure notice.' No disposal period stated

Bring

• Not listed
• the ID documentation you need to take with you' is on the seizure notice

Also

Generic template; standard MOT, PG9, provisional-licence and keys/number-plate notes

Recovery operator

• Not named: 'Vehicle Recovery Operators under the forces Vehicle Recovery Scheme; the statutory notice letter names the operator holding the vehicle
• Template notice-to-owner letter gives operator opening hours of '09:00 to 17:00 Monday to Friday. 09:00 to 17:00 Saturday

To find your vehicle

• Documents can be produced at 'a police station' (notice-to-owner template: 'any police station in Scotland where a record of the documents produced will be made and release will be authorised); the seizure notice or notice letter names the Vehicle Recovery Operator premises and asks you to phone them to arrange collection
• No central phone number published
• Insurance-letter queries only: tutelage@scotland.police.uk

Charges quoted

Removal Seized vehicles: 'two-wheeled vehicles: £190 removal charge'; 'cars and light vans: £192 removal charge' (removed, non-seized vehicles section gives £190 for both). Notice-to-owner template letter (2019): 'The Removal Charge for the vehicle is £150.00'.; storage Seized vehicles: two-wheeled £13 per day; cars and light vans £26 per day (removed-vehicles section: £25 per day for cars and light vans). Notice-to-owner template: '£20.00 per day or any part thereof'. Storage starts from midday the day after seizure.

• In most cases where the vehicle is not badly damaged or off the road.' Set by Government under The Removal, Storage and Disposal of Vehicles (Prescribed Sums and Charges etc.) (Scotland) Regulations 2019 and The Police (Retention and Disposal of Motor Vehicles) (Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2019; the seized section also cites the 2005 regulations as amended 2008
• The live pages £192/£26 for seized cars differs from its own £190/£25 for removed cars; the 2019 template letters £150/£20 is older
• Property left in a vehicle held two months (letter)
• Surplus from a disposal sale held for 12 months (letter)

Time limits stated

• You are legally required to go to a police station within fourteen days of the date on the seizure notice or notice letter to reclaim your vehicle.' Notice-to-owner letter: collect 'before the expiry of FOURTEEN days from the date on this letter
• Reducing-uninsured-drivers page: 'lose your vehicle after 14 days (it will be sold to recover costs) if you do not recover it

Payment

• Vehicle recovery operators can't accept payment over the phone; the cardholder must come to the vehicle recovery operators premises
• Vehicle recovery operators don't accept cheques
• Vehicle recovery operators do accept: cash (British currency only), Debit card, Credit Card.' Charges are paid 'to the relevant Vehicle Recovery Operator

Bring

• Proof of identity: passport, driving licence, EU national identity card, immigration document or Freedom Pass (not student or employer ID)
• Valid driving licence (UK photocard; paper licence plus passport/photo ID
• EU/EEA photocard plus passport or EU/EEA ID; non-EU/EEA licence plus IDP or official translation plus passport or evidence of immigration status and date of arrival)
• Valid certificate of motor insurance 'that permits the release of a vehicle seized by a Government Authority... even if you don't intend to drive it on a public road' (electronic copy on a mobile device, or copies faxed/emailed directly from the insurer)
• Proof of ownership: full V5C in your name plus proof of address, or an unaltered V5C/2 with a verifiable bill of sale and proof of name and address
• MOT: evidence of a pre-booked MOT appointment or arrange recovery
• Notice-to-owner letter: 'Take this notice to [operator] with the vehicle registration document, or other proof of ownership and proof of identity including your address

Also

• Keeper must attend in person unless out of the country, in custody, in hospital, immobile or compelling medical/compassionate reasons
• Property always returnable without payment: medicines, cash and cards, keys, immediately required outer clothing
• Roadside fixed penalty for no insurance: £300 and 6 points

Recovery operator

• Not named: 'our contracted recovery operator' / 'police contracted recovery operators (stolen-vehicles page), who are security vetted' and meet attendance targets
• Charges are 'due to the Chief Constable' and paid to the recovery operator

To find your vehicle

• Not published for seized vehicles
• Stolen-vehicles page: 'As soon as your vehicle has been recovered, you will be informed where it is being kept.' Produce documents at one of the 27 listed stations: 'the ONLY stations where driving documents can be produced for the release of seized uninsured vehicles and seized vehicles causing alarm, distress or annoyance.' 'Opening times may be subject to change.' Insurance-letter queries only: tutelage@psni.pnn.police.uk

Charges quoted

Removal Home Office matrix PDF hosted by PSNI (2023): row A (vehicle on road, upright, not substantially damaged, or any two-wheeled vehicle): two-wheeled £192; up to 3.5t MAM £192; 3.5t to 7.5t £256; 7.5t to 18t £448; over 18t £448. Row B (on road but not upright or substantially damaged): N/A; £320; £832; unladen £2,561 / laden £3,842; unladen £3,842 / laden £5,763.; storage Row C: two-wheeled £13; up to 3.5t £26; 3.5t to 7.5t £32; 7.5t to 18t £38; over 18t £45.; disposal Row D: two-wheeled £64; up to 3.5t £96; 3.5t to 7.5t £128; 7.5t to 18t £160; over 18t £192.

• The matrix PDF is linked from the stolen-vehicles page as 'Home Office Matrix Charges and is not explicitly tied to 165A/Article 180B seizures on the seized-vehicles page
• Stolen-vehicles page: 'The charges for removal and storage are in line with the Home Office Matrix Charges and are deemed to be fair and reasonable
• Storage charges become payable the day after you are informed the vehicle is available for collection' (stolen vehicles)
• Operation Tutelage PDF: 'a release fee paid (Including the recovery fee and storage charges)
• An older 'Statutory charges vehicle recovery' PDF (2022) now returns 404

Time limits stated

Operation Tutelage PDF: 'After 14 days the vehicle will be disposed of to recover the costs of recovery.' Nothing on the seized-vehicles page itself

Bring

You will need to bring your driving documents and proof of insurance to any of the stations below to arrange release of your vehicle.' Nothing more specific published

Also

• Northern Irelands power is Article 180B of the Road Traffic (Northern Ireland) Order 1981, not s165A RTA 1988
• The seized-vehicles page is only a station list with hours; no documents detail, fees, deadlines or operator names
• Roadside fixed penalty for no insurance in NI: £200 and six points (Tutelage PDF)
• Stolen-vehicle recovery charges rest on Articles 48 and 54 of the Road Traffic Regulation (NI) Order 1997