Vehicle Seizures - Update to Section 59 of Police Reform Act (2002)

An update to the law means officers can now seize vehicles being used anti-socially immediately, rather than having to issue an initial warning.

The changes to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act, mean officers can seize a vehicle on the first offence where it is being driven carelessly, inconsiderately or causing harassment, alarm, distress, or annoyance to others.

As well as not having to issue a warning, officers also do not require a warrant to seize the vehicle or to enter a premises where the vehicle is believed to be.

In August, officers in Derbyshire seized nine vehicles which were being used anti-socially, consisting of seven cars, a motorbike, and an e-scooter.

Further action from Safer Neighbourhood Teams has also seen a range of vehicles seized over the summer for careless, inconsiderate or nuisance driving; including a moped, multiple off-road bikes and a quad bike.

A recent operation saw officers patrolling hotspots for nuisance riding in Stenson Fields, Ingleby and Ticknall (as well as the Melbourne Policing beat area). 

Roads Policing Inspector Lee Welsby said: “This update to the legislation means that officers can take immediate action where vehicles are being driven to cause a nuisance. Officers have had numerous conversations with drivers and parents, claiming that we ‘need to issue a warning first’, this is no longer the case. Driving like this isn’t harmless, it causes disruption to the community, alarms and intimidates other people using the roads, pavements, or footpaths, and could lead to serious injuries. Our message is clear: if you’re using your vehicle in a careless manner, or to cause alarm or annoyance to other people, the police can and will seize it and take further action.”