Many impound sites are covered by CCTV for security and accountability. When a vehicle has been towed or stored, drivers often want to know whether they can see that footage — especially if they believe damage occurred while the car was held. The short answer is yes, but access is controlled, and you’ll need to follow a formal process rather than simply asking staff at the gate.

Who owns the CCTV footage

The cameras and recordings belong to whoever operates the site. That might be the police, a local authority, the DVLA, or a contracted recovery company. Each operator is considered a data controller under UK data protection law. This means any footage that shows you or your vehicle counts as personal data, so you have the right to request a copy — but it isn’t automatic or instant.

How to make a request

You’ll need to submit what’s called a Subject Access Request (SAR). This can be a letter or email addressed to the data controller responsible for the pound. Include as much detail as possible: your name, contact details, vehicle registration, date and approximate time of the incident, and why you believe relevant footage exists. The operator then has up to one month to respond.

Proof of identity is normally required before any footage is released. Expect to provide a copy of your driving licence or passport and possibly your impound release paperwork. Without this proof, the operator can refuse the request on security grounds.

What you can and can’t receive

If footage exists and shows only you or your property, a copy can usually be released. Where other people or vehicles appear, their identities may be blurred before you receive it. In some cases, you might be invited to view the footage on site instead of receiving a copy. The law allows operators to protect third-party privacy while still giving you reasonable access to your own data.

If the footage has already been deleted — many systems overwrite recordings after a few weeks — there’s no legal obligation for it to be recovered. That’s why it’s best to act quickly once you realise you might need evidence.

Footage as evidence for damage claims

Drivers often ask for footage because they suspect a car was damaged while impounded. If the footage confirms that, it can help support a claim for reimbursement. The claim itself must go through the authority or company responsible for storage, not the police. Always make the request in writing and keep a record of all correspondence in case the issue later reaches small claims court.

When a request can be refused

Access may be denied if releasing the footage would interfere with a criminal investigation or reveal information about someone else. Operators must explain why access is restricted and should confirm whether the footage exists even if they cannot release it. A refusal can be challenged by writing to the organisation’s Data Protection Officer or, if necessary, by complaining to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

How to find the right contact

The pound receipt or seizure notice usually names the enforcing authority. From there, you can search that authority’s website for “data protection officer” or “subject access request”. Avoid phoning the pound directly about CCTV; front-desk staff rarely have permission to release data. Written communication creates a clear trail and avoids misunderstandings.

Final note

You can request CCTV evidence from an impound, but only through the correct channels and within the legal time limits. The sooner you act, the better the chance that footage still exists. Keep every message, date and name on file — and if the response seems unreasonable, persistence and a calm paper trail usually achieve more than frustration at the counter.

Check here for more useful information about impounded cars!

Please note: impound rules, collection windows and fee structures are set locally and can change at any time. Details on this site offer a broad outline only and are not guaranteed to match the requirements of any individual pound or authority.