Anti-Social Vehicle Use & Police Powers of Seizure
Vehicle-related anti-social behaviour, including illegal street racing, dangerous motorcycle use, off-road driving and aggressive driving, is an increasing concern for local authorities. Such behaviour can cause significant distress and annoyance to communities and, in some cases, result in serious injury or loss of life.
Tragically, this was highlighted by an horrific collision on the A66, where a vehicle appears to have been deliberately driven on the wrong side of the road into oncoming traffic, causing a catastrophic crash that resulted in the deaths of seven people.
Police forces are faced with tackling those who break the law relating to the maintenance, taxation and insurance of motor vehicles, and often find themselves exercising every enforcement power available to address offending.
During a three day period across Central London at the beginning of August 2026, the Metropolitan Police seized ninety vehicles during an operation which targeted uninsured drivers, dangerous driving and anti-social vehicle use.
According to reports, fifteen of the vehicles were seized utilising new legislation which allows officers to seize vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour without first issuing a warning.
Sukhdip Randhawa of KANGS outlines the manner in which the law targeting the seizure of vehicles relating to anti-social behaviour has been amended.
The Relevant Law
Prior to recent amendment
The Police Reform Act 2002 (‘the Act’) gives police officers powers to stop, seize and remove vehicles in specific circumstances.
Section 59 relates to vehicles used in manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance by providing that:
Where a constable in uniform has reasonable grounds for believing that a motor vehicle is being used on any occasion in a manner which:
- contravenes sections 3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 which deal with careless and inconsiderate driving and prohibition of off-road driving and
- is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public
he shall have the power:
- if the motor vehicle is moving, to order the person driving it to stop the vehicle,
- to seize and remove the motor vehicle,
- for the purposes of exercising the above, to enter any premises on which he has reasonable grounds for believing the motor vehicle to be,
- to use reasonable force, if necessary, in the exercise of any of the above.
A person who fails to comply with an order to stop a moving vehicle commits an offence which, on summary conviction before a Magistrates’ Court, will be punished by way of a fine.
However, section 60 (2) made provision for the giving of notice of the seizure of a motor vehicle to a person who is the owner of that vehicle or who, in accordance with the regulations, appears to be the owner.
The Law as amended | Section 59 Seizure
Since June 2026, the Crime and Policing Act 2026 has amended section 59 of the Act to the extent that no prior warning is now required before seizure.
The Government has said the change was introduced so that police can respond ‘robustly and immediately’ to anti-social vehicle use and exercise seizure powers more easily.
Official Comment
Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman, who led the operation in Central London referred to above, said:
“We regularly hear from local people who are fed up with people driving cars dangerously in the area, or with modifications which make them a nuisance to those who live nearby.
Through operations like this we’re arresting these drivers and seizing their cars so we can keep our roads safe and send a clear message that we won’t put up with their reckless and dangerous behaviour.”
How Can We Help?
Vehicle seizure can have immediate and significant consequences, particularly where it is the only vehicle available to meet every day work, family and social commitments, and where the seizure arises from the activities of someone other than the vehicle's owner.
KANGS has not only defended clients facing motoring offence charges of every nature over many years but has also assisted those who have been deprived of the use of their vehicle as a result of the actions of others.
Our specialist criminal defence solicitors advise and represent clients in relation to:
- section 59 vehicle seizures,
- allegations of anti-social vehicle use,
- inconsiderate and careless driving,
- dangerous driving investigations,
- driving without insurance, and
- police interviews under caution.
Early legal advice can be crucial. It can help you understand the basis for police action, protect your position during any investigation and, where appropriate, secure the return of a seized vehicle.
If you need assistance, contact us using the details below, our driving offence solicitors will be pleased to assist you:
Tel: 0333 370 4333
Email: info@kangssolicitors.co.uk
We provide initial no obligation discussion at our three offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Alternatively, discussions can be held through video conferencing or telephone.
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