Vehicle seizure notices
We have the power to seize a vehicle, trailer or mobile plant and their contents if we think it's being used, or will be used, in waste crimes such as fly-tipping.
When we can seize a vehicle
We'll seize a vehicle if it's been:
- used to illegally dump waste (fly-tipping) in a way that could cause:
- pollution to the environment
- harm to human health
- driven by someone not registered as a waste carrier
- used to transfer waste to someone not registered as a waste carrier
- used at a site that is breaking the rules of an environmental permit
How to claim a seized vehicle
If your vehicle has been seized and you want to claim it back, you must be able to prove that you're the legal owner. You'll need to send copies of:
- proof of ID: valid photocard driving licence or passport
- proof of address: two utility bills in the applicant’s name, no older than 3 months
- vehicle registration document for seized property
- valid insurance
- evidence of your registered waste carrier status
- written proof of authority to act as agent if acting in a representative capacity:
- valid power of attorney
- items 3 and 4 above
- proof of ID
- address of agent
Scans or photographs of these documents must be emailed to [email protected], putting 'seized vehicle' in the subject line of your email along with the vehicle registration plate.
Timelines
- You must make a claim to us within 15 working days of the date on the notice.
- We'll confirm whether your ownership is accepted within 3 working days.
- If we decide not to investigate further or prosecute, you'll have a further ten working days to collect your vehicle. You can collect your vehicle from: **ADDRESS**
Please note: you must bring original versions of your evidence with you when you collect your vehicle.
If we decide to investigate or prosecute
We can keep your vehicle in storage for 15 working days if we need to investigate an offence. We may keep it longer:
- to continue an investigation
- if we decide to prosecute
If our investigation shows that your vehicle was used for a waste crime, we'll always consider prosecuting you. We'll keep your vehicle during the court process.
However, if the court decides that you've committed a waste crime, they may take away your vehicle permanently.
Depending on the particular offence, penalties could also include up to:
- £400 fixed penalty
- 5 years in prison
Vehicles we've seized
We must make information about the vehicles we seize available to the public for at least 15 days. All current vehicle seizure notices will be listed under downloads below.