Having your car taken to a police or local authority pound is stressful, but there is a clear process to follow. This guide explains what pounds are, why vehicles end up there, and what to do next if your car has been towed or seized in London.
Use this page if:
- Police have seized your vehicle from the roadside or your home.
- Your car has been towed for parking, tax, or other local authority reasons.
- You are not sure where your car is or what steps to take.
Rules can vary slightly between different pounds, but the main steps are similar. Always check the exact instructions given by the police, Transport for London (TfL), or your local council.
First, work out who is likely to have taken your vehicle. This will tell you which pound to contact.
- Police seizure: often for no insurance, driving offences, or suspected crime. You will usually get a seizure notice or reference number.
- Local authority tow: for parking, roadworks, bus lanes, or abandoned vehicles. Check signs where you were parked and any PCN (Penalty Charge Notice) left on the road.
- DVLA or TfL clamp/tow: usually for untaxed vehicles or unpaid charges.
If you are not sure where your car is, start by calling the non-emergency police number (101 in the UK) and your local council. Have your number plate and location ready.
If your vehicle:
- has been issued with a PG9 (Prohibition Notice) because it is not roadworthy, (if it cannot be driven, it must be removed on a recovery vehicle)
- has been taken off the road for not having a valid MOT or insurance
- has been impounded due to a crime involving it or taken by Police after an accident or collision
- has been taken for not having driving license Or for any reason we can collect your collect your vehicle for you.
Once you know whether the police or the council has taken your car, you need to find the exact pound location.
- Police pound: Use the details on your seizure notice or call 101. Ask for the vehicle recovery unit and give your registration, your name, and the date and place your car was taken.
- Local authority pound: Check your PCN, parking sign, or council website for pound details. Many councils have online tow look-up tools.
- DVLA or TfL pound: Visit their official websites and follow the instructions for towed or clamped vehicles.
Always write down the pound address, opening hours, payment methods, and any reference numbers you are given.
Most police and local authority pounds follow a similar process. In general you will need to:
- Confirm where your vehicle is: Get the correct pound name, address, and opening hours before you travel.
- Check time limits: There is usually a deadline to collect your vehicle before extra storage fees or disposal. Ask the pound for the exact cut-off date.
- Gather your documents: Bring ID, proof of ownership, insurance, MOT and driving licence. See the document checklist below.
- Arrange transport: Decide whether you will drive the car away legally or need a recovery truck to take it to your home or garage.
- Pay pound fees: You must settle the police or council release and storage fees at the pound before the car can be released.
- Arrange ongoing recovery: If the car is not roadworthy or cannot be driven legally, book a recovery company to collect it from the pound.
Police Car Pound Recovery can coordinate this with you so that you do not miss time limits or pay more storage than necessary.
Every pound sets its own exact rules, but you will normally need:
- Photo ID: passport or driving licence.
- Proof of ownership: V5C logbook, new keeper slip, or a bill of sale.
- Valid insurance: certificate or policy document showing you are insured to drive or collect the vehicle.
- MOT or roadworthiness: proof of a valid MOT if required, or proof that the car is being recovered to a garage.
- Driving licence: if you intend to drive the car away yourself.
- Any letters or notices: seizure notice, PCN, reference numbers, or letters from the police, TfL or council.
Some pounds accept digital documents shown on your phone, but others require printed copies. Always ask what they will accept before you travel.
If you are missing one or more documents, do not panic. In many cases there are options:
- Someone else collecting: The pound may allow the registered keeper or a nominated person to attend with the right paperwork, even if they were not the driver.
- Temporary or pound-specific insurance: You may be able to arrange short-term cover that allows release, or recovery-only insurance.
- Recovery truck only: If the car has no MOT or cannot be insured to drive, it may be released only onto a recovery truck and taken straight to a garage or private land.
- Proof by email: Some insurers and finance companies can email documents directly to you while you are at the pound.
Always check with the pound before you travel what they will accept. We can also speak to the pound with you to confirm what is possible.
| Type of charge | Who you pay | What it usually covers |
|---|---|---|
| Police or council release fee | Police, TfL or local authority pound | Administrative cost of seizing and storing the vehicle, sometimes including the initial tow. |
| Daily storage charges | Police, TfL or local authority pound | A set amount per day your vehicle stays in the pound; this is why acting quickly is important. |
| Private recovery costs | Recovery company (such as Police Car Pound Recovery) | Collection from the pound and transport of your vehicle to your home, garage, or another safe location. |
| Garage or repair bills | Garage or bodyshop | Mechanical checks, MOT, servicing or repairs needed after the car leaves the pound. |
Certain situations mean you cannot legally drive the car away from the pound:
- No MOT: You usually cannot drive the car on the road unless you are going straight to a pre-booked MOT test or using a recovery truck.
- No insurance: It is illegal to drive without valid insurance. The pound may only release the car onto a recovery truck.
- Heavy damage: If the vehicle is unsafe (airbags deployed, fluids leaking, major structural damage), it should go directly to a garage or approved storage on a recovery truck.
- Non-runner or missing keys: A specialist recovery vehicle may be needed to load and transport the car safely.
We regularly deal with these situations and can advise on the safest and most cost-effective way to move your vehicle.
Police Car Pound Recovery specialises in collecting vehicles from police and local authority pounds across London and the surrounding areas.
- We can speak to the pound with you to confirm what documents and timings apply.
- We arrange a suitable recovery truck so the vehicle can be released even if it is not road legal.
- We coordinate our arrival with the pound’s opening times to avoid wasted trips.
- We can deliver your vehicle to your home, trusted garage, or another safe location.
If you are unsure about any part of the process, we can explain the steps and help you plan your visit to the pound.
If your car has been towed or seized, acting quickly can save you money and stress. You do not have to deal with the pound alone.
Call us any time, day or night, to discuss your situation. We will explain your options in plain language and give you an honest indication of likely recovery costs.
There is no obligation when you call — we are happy to offer guidance so you can make the best decision for you.
