Motorists could have their car “crushed” by police officers in just 48 hours as part of a new Government crackdown. The Home Office has confirmed stronger powers proposed by the Government would see officers given the freedom to remove vehicles used for antisocial behaviour from the road.
Officials have suggested the new driving rules could help communities that have been blighted by off-road biking and street racing. Under the current rules, police officers must wait 14 days before they are allowed to dispose of a vehicle that has been seized. According to the Home Office, the system makes it easier for owners to reclaim their vehicles and get back on the roads.
Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Crime and Policing warned that the new rules will show antisocial behaviour will “not be tolerated” and warned that drivers flouting the law could have their cars crushed in record-breaking time.
She explained: “Antisocial and reckless driving brings misery to communities across the country, from dangerous street racing to off-road bikes tearing through local parks.
“By enabling police to seize and dispose of these vehicles within just 48 hours, we’re giving our officers the tools they need to deliver immediate results and providing communities the swift justice they deserve.
“As part of our Plan for Change, these new powers send a clear message that antisocial behaviour, whatever form it takes, will not be tolerated in our local communities.”
Additional proposals will allow police officers to immediately seize any vehicles involved in antisocial behaviour.
Under the updates, police officers will no longer be required to issue a warning before taking cars out of owners’ hands.
AA president Edmund King, backed the new proposal as a “positive step” to boost road safety.
He said: “Illegal car meets and street racing are not just antisocial, but also present road safety problems which have resulted in needless injuries and fatalities. This is a positive step that should make people think again before joining illegal car cruises.”
Labour has launched a new public consultation on the issue with the new proposal part of their Plan for Change.
Officials have also promised to review the statutory fees for removing, storing, and disposing of vehicles in England and Wales.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, warned officers were committed to keeping communities safe.
She said: “We welcome the consultation announced by the government. Antisocial use of a vehicle, such as street racing, street cruising or off-road use is more than a matter of noise pollution. It can have long-term effects on a neighbourhood, with the criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property.”
