Consfiscation of Vehicles - Brian
The High Court has ruled, in connection with immigration, as follows :

"Mr Justice Sullivan, in London, said that the regime, introduced by the Immigration and Asylum Act, was not compatible with the right to a fair trial under article six of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The judge also ruled that the power to detain vehicles under the act was not compatible with the protection of property under article one in the First Protocol of the convention. "

IMHO the same argument would apply to vehicles appropriated by Customs & Excise for exceeding duty-free allowances.