Hundreds of drivers forced to pay hefty fees to avoid impounded cars being sold off by police
WATCH: National Highways warns drivers of road rules as they could face fines for failing to know the restrictions
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS
Hundreds of vehicles have been impounded by the police across Scotland for breaking crucial driving laws with motorists warned of huge fees.
A Freedom of Information request revealed that between January and October last year, luxury cars and e-bikes were among hundreds of vehicles seized by police in Fife.
Among the vehicles seized included 25 BMWs, 21 Audis, eight Mercedes-Benz models, four Land Rovers and a Maserati Granturismo Sport.
Police in Fife also removed 22 two-wheeled vehicles which included a range of dirt bikes, pit bikes, e-bikes and motorcycles.
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The police seized dozens of vehicles with ones left unclaimed destined for auction
LANCASHIRE POLICEUnder UK law, police can seize a vehicle if it was stolen and found by officers, involved in a collision and is causing an obstruction or danger.
They can also take vehicles parked illegally, involved in a crime, driven in an antisocial manner abandoned, causing an obstruction or danger abandoned after an incident involving the police.
The FOI revealed that there has been a sharp increase in the number of vehicles since 2023 with 198 extra recorded in 2024. Out of the vehicles seized 144 have still not been claimed by drivers who would be subject to charges.
Collecting impounded vehicles can cost drivers a steep amount with charges starting at £192 for removal but then increasing by £26 every day it remains in storage.
Other costs include a £96 fee for having the vehicle disposed of. If the vehicle remains unclaimed then the police have the power to sell it at auction or scrap it.
Police Scotland stated: “If your vehicle has been removed and is being kept at one of our Vehicle Recovery Operators premises, if you are aware of its location you can arrange collection of your vehicle immediately.
“Otherwise you will receive a statutory notice letter. This letter will contain detailed instructions and let you know at which Vehicle Recovery Operator premises your vehicle is being kept.”
The FOI also detailed how 19 vehicles ended up at auction including the luxury Maserati car which was sold for £19,310 - 66 per cent less than its original value of £57,155. A Mercedes G350 also went to auction selling for a much lower price of £29,710.
A force spokesperson told The Courier: “Any seized or recovered vehicle, which is not claimed by the registered keeper, will be sold at auction.
“Any remaining amount, once the required fees are paid, is used to support public funding towards Police Scotland.”
To successfully recover vehicles seized by police, drivers must bring proof of ownership, driving licence, a valid MOT (depending on the age of the vehicle), or a pre-booked MOT appointment and an insurance certificate.
“If the legal owner of the vehicle can't go to the Vehicle Recovery Operator premises in person then someone else can collect it on their behalf,” the police added.
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Drivers will have to pay a hefty fee to release their vehicle from the impoundGLASGOW CITY COUNCILThe police explained that if they seize vehicles obstructing roads or found have criminal links, they are entitled to recover the statutory fees. "If you do not reclaim your vehicle, you may lose your claim to any load/items you had in it," the force warned.
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