By law we can seize a vehicle, trailer or mobile plant and its contents if it's:
- used for flytipping
- driven by someone who’s not registered as a waste carrier
- used to transfer waste to someone who’s not registered as the waste carrier.
When we seize a vehicle we post a legal vehicle seizure notice here within one day of seizing the vehicle. Read our vehicle seizure notices.
We also tell the police and the registered owner in writing.
We can hold seized vehicles for 15 working days while we investigate. If we have started a prosecution, we may keep the vehicle for the duration of the prosecution.
To claim a seized vehicle you must be able to prove you are the legal owner by providing:
- A V5C vehicle registration document in your name with your correct address and;
- A current certificate of motor insurance in your name with your correct address.
If we need further proof of legal ownership we’ll notify you within one working day. Any further proof must be received by us within two working days of you receiving the request. We’ll tell you our decision within three working days.
If we release the vehicle you have 10 working days to collect it. If a claimed vehicle is released and not collected within 10 working days we can sell it or destroy it. If it is not collected within 15 working days we will sell it or destroy it.
To claim a vehicle write to us with a copy of your evidence to:
Environmental Crimes Team
Manchester City Council
1 Hammerstone Road
Gorton
Manchester
M18 8EQ