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DVSA impounding - seizure of vehicles

Stephensons’ road transport solicitors have an excellent track record in assisting clients in recovering goods and passenger vehicles which have been impounded by the authorities due to alleged unauthorised use. If you own or operate a vehicle which has been seized, you should seek specialist assistance as a matter of urgency. To speak with one of our road transport lawyers about the seizure of a vehicle call us on 01616 966 229.

Under the Goods Vehicle (Enforcement Powers) Regulations the authorities can impound goods vehicles which appear to be being operated without authorisation. Any vehicle not recovered by its owner is liable to be sold or scrapped. Given the high cost of certain commercial vehicles, the decision to impound a vehicle can have serious financial implications for owners.

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Recover impounded vehicle

It is possible to recover impounded vehicles in certain circumstances. An application can be made to a traffic commissioner on the following grounds:

  • When the vehicle was impounded, the person operating it had an appropriate operator’s licence
  • When the vehicle was impounded, its use did not fall within the operator’s licence regime
  • When the vehicle was impounded, it was being used illegally without the owner’s knowledge

Each of those grounds is often open to considerable interpretation and applications to a traffic commissioner can prove complicated. Therefore if you own a vehicle which has been impounded, you should seek specialist advice without delay. Strict time limits govern applications to recover vehicles and your case will need to be dealt with urgently.

To speak to one of our specialist transport lawyers, please feel free to call 01616 966 229.

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