When we can seize a vehicle

We will seize a vehicle if we suspect it has been:

• used to illegally dump waste (fly-tipping) in a way that could cause pollution to the environment or 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.

Vehicles we have seized

We must make information about the vehicles seized available to the public for at least 15 days.

Claiming a vehicle that has been seized

To claim your vehicle you must be the legal owner of the vehicle. To prove this you must send a copy of:

• the V5C vehicle registration document in your name with your correct address
• the current certificate of motor insurance in your name with your correct address.
• proof of identity (e.g. valid photo card driving licence or passport) and
• proof of address (e.g. two different utility bills in the applicant’s name no older than three months).

The documents must be emailed to grimecrime@lbbd.gov.uk or by post to Street Enforcement Team, Barking Town Hall, Town Hall Square, 1 Clockhouse Avenue, Barking, IG11 7LU along with a covering letter explaining that your wish to claim the vehicle which has been seized.

If you are claiming as an agent, you must provide proof of authority to act on behalf of your principal, and provide your own identification documents.

If we require further proof of legal ownership, we will notify you within 1 working day. Any further proof must be received within 2 working days from receipt of the request. We will tell you whether we agree you are the legal owner or not within 3 working days of receiving your proof of ownership.

If we decide not to investigate further or prosecute, you will have 10 working days to collect your vehicle. We will inform you where you can collect your vehicle from.

You must also bring the original documents when you come to collect the vehicle.

If we decide to prosecute

We can keep your vehicle in storage for up to 15 working days if we need to investigate an offence. We may keep it longer to continue an investigation or we decide to prosecute.

If our investigation shows that your vehicle was used for a waste crime, you are at risk of being prosecuted.

The local authority may sell, destroy or otherwise dispose of seized property where a seizure notice has been published and served in accordance with regulations and in accordance with regulation 21 of the above regulations if the vehicle I not claimed in the claim period, or if a claimant who brought such a clam is not determined as entitled.

Current Notices

Notice of vehicle seized 17 May 2024 (PDF, 128.22 KB)

Notice of vehicle seized 28 June 2023 (PDF, 140.38 KB)

Notice of vehicle seized 30 June 2023 (PDF, 115.16 KB)