Start with the tariff band your van falls into
Police and council pounds do not charge one flat fee for all vans. The cost depends on which tariff band the van fits into under the national removal and storage regulations. The key point is weight. Many everyday vans, including common short-wheelbase and medium-wheelbase models, fall under the same band as standard private cars because they have a maximum authorised mass up to 3.5 tonnes.
Once a van exceeds 3.5 tonnes, or if it was damaged, on its side, off the road, or required specialist equipment, a higher tariff is normally applied.
Figures for most everyday vans (up to 3.5 tonnes)
If your van is within the standard weight band and was upright on a road at the time of removal, the usual statutory charges are:
- Removal fee: £192.
- Daily storage: £26 per 24-hour period or part of a period.
This is the same band used for normal cars. So, for example, five days in the pound would normally come to:
£192 + (5 × £26) = £322.
When the van is in a higher tariff band
If the van exceeds 3.5 tonnes, was substantially damaged, off the road, stuck, on its side, or needed specialist lifting, the removal fee increases. The exact band depends on the circumstances recorded at the time of seizure. Pounds follow the national bands, which include higher-rate removal fees for heavier or difficult-access vehicles, with storage also rising for heavier vehicles.
A larger or badly positioned van might therefore cost noticeably more than the standard £192 removal fee. The pound can tell you exactly which tariff they applied once they identify the vehicle.
Insurance costs if you plan to drive the van out
To drive an impounded van out, you normally need a policy that includes impounded-vehicle cover. Major UK insurers use a minimum term of around thirty days for this type of policy. Very short insurance policies are almost always rejected.
If you have previous convictions, are a younger driver, or drive a higher-risk van, the premium can be higher than for a typical car. Quotes vary widely depending on the driver, the van’s weight, and any past policy cancellations.
If the van cannot be driven out
If no suitable insurance can be arranged, if the van is too heavy for your licence category, or if the pound considers it unsafe, you may need to use a specialist recovery operator. Recovery costs vary, but many local operators charge:
- Local uplift for a standard-size van: roughly £120–£250.
- Larger vans or long-distance recovery: higher amounts, depending on equipment and mileage.
Recovery is often cheaper than insurance when premiums are high, but it is in addition to the statutory removal and storage fees.
What your total might look like
A few realistic examples help frame what you may face:
- Standard-size van, three days in the pound: £192 removal + 3 × £26 storage = £270.
- Standard-size van, seven days in the pound: £192 removal + 7 × £26 storage = £374.
- Larger or damaged van: removal will be higher than £192; storage may also be higher depending on weight band. The pound can confirm the exact figure.
Insurance or recovery sits on top of these statutory charges.
A practical route forward
Call the pound with the registration number and ask which tariff they applied, how many storage days are accumulated, and whether road release or recovery is permitted for your van. Once you know the exact statutory balance, you can compare the cost of a compliant 30-day policy with the cost of using a recovery truck.
With keeper ID, ownership evidence and a lawful method of removal in place, release normally follows the pound’s standard procedure.
Just remember that a polite question is easier for staff to answer clearly, helping keep the atmosphere calm and constructive.