I think you inferred too much from uvk33n's reply. It doesn't matter if the vehicle is out of harm's way, properly taxed, insured and otherwise road legal: if the police arrange the uplift you will be charged the statutory charge applicable to the condition of the vehicle.
The fact that the OP wasn't advised of this would suggest the nice policeman didn't care that he would be out of pocket.
I must be reading the situation incorrectly, in that case...
