Vehicle Recovery From a Car Park

Identify the car park

Give the full name, address, level and bay number. Large shopping centres, hospitals and stations can have several car parks with different entrances.

Provide a security or management contact if access is controlled.

Measure the height restriction

Do not say only that a recovery vehicle 'should fit'. Read the marked height limit and mention ramps, overhead pipes and tight turns.

Some collection methods may need the vehicle moved to an open level first, which is not always possible.

Describe the bay position

A vehicle between parked cars, against a wall or facing a barrier has less working space. Photograph the front, rear and both sides.

Confirm whether the steering unlocks and whether the vehicle rolls.

Deal with tickets and permissions

Contact the operator if the vehicle cannot be removed before the paid period ends. Recovery does not automatically cancel parking charges or release a clamped vehicle.

A private car-park operator may need to open barriers or authorise access.

Choose the safest plan

Where the site cannot accommodate the required recovery vehicle, an alternative arrangement may be needed. Honest measurements prevent a failed attendance.