We can seize a vehicle and its contents if it is used to commit a waste crime such as fly-tipping. This is set out in law:
A vehicle, trailer or mobile plant can be seized if it is:
- used to illegally dump waste (fly tipping) in a way that could cause pollution to the environment or harm to human health
- driven by somebody who is not a registered waste carrier
- used to move waste to somebody who is not a registered waste carrier
- used at a site that is breaking the rules of an environmental permit
What happens when a vehicle has been seized
A seized vehicle can be held for up to 15 working days whilst a waste crime is being investigated and we have the right to sell or destroy it after this time has passed. If we take the case to court, the vehicle will be held for the duration of the prosecution.
Seizure notices
We publish the details of any vehicles that we seize on this page, and on the notice boards outside the main entrance to the Civic Centre. You'll be able to check details from the first working day after the seizure, and for at least 15 days afterwards.
We will notify the police and the registered keeper that the vehicle has been seized.
Current notices
- There are no current seizure notices
Claiming a seized vehicle
To claim a seized vehicle you must be the legal owner of the vehicle and be able to provide:
- the V5C vehicle registration document in your name with your correct address
- a current certificate of motor insurance in your name with your correct address
If we require further proof of ownership, we’ll notify you within one working day. We must then receive any further required proof of ownership from you within two working days.
Our final decision on your vehicle claim will be sent to you within three working days.
Collecting a seized vehicle
If you’ve claimed a vehicle you’ll have 10 working days to collect it, unless we need to keep it for further investigation or are in the process of prosecuting. If you haven’t collected your claimed vehicle within 10 working days it can be sold or destroyed.
The above information is based on the legislation on The Control of Waste (Dealing with Seized Property) (England and Wales) Regulations 2015 (legislation.gov.uk)