Redbridge Council is considering the adoption of a vehicle removal and car pound service to address persistent parking offenders and improve traffic management. The proposal was discussed at a Clean and Green Policy Development Committee meeting on Thursday, 6 November 2025, as part of a broader review of parking services. The council aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the vehicle removal process by adhering to a strict Removal Criteria.

The proposed service would be tendered alongside the upcoming Civil Enforcement Service contract, currently managed by APCOA. The tender would allow the contractor to utilise a car pound facility outside the borough, provided it is within 30 minutes' drive or one hour by public transport from a central point in Redbridge. The facility could also be a shared site. This location requirement aims to ensure the car pound facility meets accessibility standards for vehicle owners to retrieve their vehicles.

The service is planned to operate six days a week with a minimum of two tow trucks. The council also intends to adopt national Persistent Evader powers, as outlined in the London Local Authorities and Transport for London Act 2007, to target repeat offenders.

The council has outlined a Removal Criteria for vehicles, including those:

  • Parked in a disabled bay without a valid Blue Badge
  • Blocking a dropped kerb or driveway
  • Parked in a suspended bay
  • Parked in a bus lane, bus stop, or bus stand
  • Parked on school Keep Clear markings
  • Parked on loading restrictions
  • Parked on a red route
  • Identified as a persistent offender
  • Causing a safety hazard
  • Parked on a yellow line within 10 meters of a junction
  • Parked in a mandatory cycle lane
  • Parked with all four wheels on the footway
  • Parked with two wheels on the footway, when authorised by a senior officer
  • Otherwise authorised by a Senior Officer

The removals service provider would be responsible for the entire disposal process, including correspondence with registered keepers. A 35-day Key Performance Indicator (KPI) for vehicle disposal would be enforced, with penalties for late disposal unless explicitly authorised by the council.

The recommendations came from workshops held on 24 July 2025. The Clean and Green Policy Development Committee agreed to investigate Parking Services and delegated authority to the Chair and Vice Chair to meet with officers to develop the scope and project plan. The Chair met with the Cabinet Member and Officers on 5 June.