Charges for the removal, storage and disposal of vehicles under road traffic law (update)

Published 10 January 2023

Last updated 16 March 2023 — See all updates

Government response to consultation on charges for the removal, storage and disposal of vehicles

Removal, storage and disposal vehicle charges - government consultation

Impact Assessment, vehicle recovery fee increase 2021 / 22

The Home Office consultation on the charges for the removal, storage and disposal of vehicles was launched in 2021 because the fees had not been raised since 2008 (for Road Traffic Regulation Act 1984; Police Reform Act 2002 and Road Traffic Act 1988) or 1995 (for the Criminal Justice and Public Order Act 1994).

The consultation took place in response to concerns raised by police and recovery operators.

This increase in statutory fees is essential to maintain sustainable vehicle recovery operations and reduce pressures on the police. In addition, we are amending the provision on the release of vehicles regulation to assist the police and National Highways and strengthen the process so that it would result in drivers who were driving without a driving licence or insurance losing their vehicle.

We will also amend the provision that refers to ‘giving of seizure notice’ or ‘service of seizure notice’ to allow the option of either an electronic or a paper seizure notice.