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How pounds handle commercial vans
When a commercial van is taken to a pound, the process follows the same basic structure as for private cars, but the checks can feel tighter. Staff normally focus on confirming lawful control of the vehicle, and they expect the registered keeper to attend with proper photographic ID before anything else happens.
Because commercial vans often carry tools, stock or business equipment, pounds usually apply extra caution when verifying who is authorised to collect the vehicle. Their priority is making sure the van is released to the correct person and that all legal requirements for removal are met.
Who can collect a commercial van
If the van is registered to an individual, release is usually straightforward once ID and documents match the records. If the van belongs to a company or fleet, pounds normally expect proof that the person attending is genuinely linked to that business. This can include a letter on company headed paper, a work ID card or documents showing the person’s role.
Even with paperwork, pounds often verify details directly. A simple permission note is rarely enough unless the keeper has already confirmed everything with staff in advance.
Extra fees commercial vans usually attract
Commercial vans almost always incur higher release and storage charges than private cars. Pounds apply different tariff categories, and vans fall into the “commercial” or “larger vehicle” brackets. This normally means:
- Higher initial release fees.
- Higher daily storage charges.
- Additional costs if the van is especially large, long-wheelbase or classed as a goods vehicle.
The exact fees vary between authorities because each pound uses its own tariff, but commercial vehicles almost never fall under the lowest rate. If the van was heavily loaded or required specialist equipment to tow, the recovery charge applied at the roadside may also be higher than usual.
Insurance requirements for release
To drive a commercial van away, valid insurance normally has to be in place. Business policies often have named-driver restrictions, so the certificate must clearly show who is covered. Pounds rely on the insurer’s wording, not assumptions about business use.
If insurance cannot be arranged quickly, a recovery truck becomes the practical alternative. Temporary impound policies do exist, but not all providers insure vans for commercial use, and some accept only the registered keeper as the policyholder.
MOT, tax and roadworthiness issues
If the van has no MOT, some pounds usually allow a direct drive to a pre booked test. Others prefer recovery instead, especially if the MOT expired long ago or the van has known defects.
Untaxed vans bring additional checks. Some pounds ask for a tax deposit before agreeing to a road release. Others insist on recovery only. The rules vary between sites, so confirming the pound’s position in advance avoids unnecessary delays.
Tools, equipment and access to the load area
Pounds secure vans in the same way as private vehicles, but they are not responsible for the condition or safety of tools or stock inside. Access is usually granted only after the keeper has been identified and the release fee has been paid.
If urgent access to equipment is needed, staff may arrange supervised entry to the load area once ID checks are complete, but this depends on the site’s procedures.
Recovery options
If driving the van away is not realistic, recovery is normally the simplest route. Pounds usually allow any professional operator to collect the van once identity is confirmed and fees are paid.
If the van is large, high-roof or heavily loaded, telling the recovery company in advance is important so they send the correct vehicle.
Deadlines for claiming and collecting the van
The deadlines are the same as for private vehicles. Keepers normally need to claim the van within around seven days and collect it within roughly fourteen. If these deadlines are missed, the van may be disposed of under statutory powers.
Given that commercial vans are often essential for work, early contact with the pound helps avoid costly downtime and rising storage charges.
Keeping the process straightforward
The clearest route is to gather the right ID, confirm the insurance position, check what fees apply to commercial vans and decide whether driving or recovery is the more practical option.
Once the paperwork aligns with the pound’s requirements and the higher commercial-vehicle fees are settled, release is normally uncomplicated and the van can be returned to work with as little disruption as possible.
Impound processes, time limits and costs vary widely across the UK, and authorities can amend their rules at any time. Information on this site is intended as a general overview and should not be relied on as definitive for any specific impound location.