Consultation launched on fast-tracking disposal of vehicles seized for antisocial behaviour
Communities blighted by off-road biking in public parks and intimidating street racing are set to benefit from new police powers to crack down on antisocial behaviour and deliver safer streets through the Plan for Change.
Perpetrators of antisocial driving face having their cars, e-scooters or off-road bikes seized and destroyed after 48 hours under stronger powers proposed by the government.
Currently, police must wait 14 days before being able to dispose of a vehicle, making it easier for offenders to reclaim their vehicles and with a limited deterrent to repeat offending.
The measure to fast-track the disposal of vehicles comes alongside additional proposals to give police stronger powers to seize any vehicles involved in antisocial behaviour, with officers no longer required to issue a warning before seizing them.
Combined, these new powers will help tackle the scourge of vehicle-driven antisocial behaviour by sending a clear message to would-be offenders and local communities that swift justice will be delivered and this behaviour not tolerated.
The changes are also expected to have a wider impact on tackling more serious crime with e-scooters and e-bikes often used to facilitate drug dealing, organised acquisitive crime and serious violence.
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Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said:
In a public consultation published today, the government is reviewing the statutory fees for removing, storing, and disposing of vehicles in England and Wales. This will help make sure police can afford to keep removing antisocial and illegal off-road bikes and other vehicles from our streets.
The crackdown on antisocial behaviour continues implementation of the government’s Plan for Change and Safer Streets Mission which will see new Respect Orders targeting persistent perpetrators of antisocial behaviour.
In April this year, the Prime Minister set out new measures as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to restore neighbourhood policing to local communities, including every force having a dedicated antisocial behaviour lead to tackle the specific challenges each area faces.
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National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, said:
Edmund King, AA president, said:
Sandra Bauer, Neighbourhood Watch Head of Policy, Partnerships and Projects and Deputy Chief Executive said: