Removing and towing of vehicles

How to recover your vehicle if it has been towed away.

TRACE is the towed vehicle tracing service. It is run by London Councils and can be used by anyone whose vehicle may have been impounded for illegal parking, or misuse of Blue Badge. 

The TRACE service is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. You can find out which pound the vehicle has been moved to, the location and the procedure for release by appointment.

Find your vehicle

If you cannot access TRACE online

You can contact TRACE customer services helpdesk on 0300 077 0100 (free to call).

Collection of a vehicle

You will normally need to provide:

  • two proofs of identification, both showing your name and address, one of which must be your driving licence
  • ownership details of your vehicle (V5 document)

The name and address on all documents must be the same.

Utility bills must be dated within the last 3 months.

You may be asked for additional proof of identification. In cases of Blue Badge misuse, you will be required to surrender the Blue Badge before the vehicle can be released.

Fees and charges

You must pay the removal fee, penalty charge and any storage fees before the vehicle can be released.

How to pay

You must pay in person at the car pound. You cannot pay by phone or online.

Payment can be made by Mastercard or Visa Credit, Visa Debit.