Experts are warning that drivers could lose their vehicles under additional police powers being introduced around the UK.
The tougher rules will see police forces given new powers to tackle anti-social behaviour on UK streets, with drivers given tougher penalties if they are caught breaking the law with their vehicles.
The proposed changes will make it quicker for police forces to act and remove hazardous vehicles, as well as electric bikes and scooters, which have been used for criminal and anti-social purposes.
It also amends the current wait time for police to act before being able to dispose of a vehicle from 14 days to just 48 hours.
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Drivers of seized vehicles could see them crushed and destroyed within 48 hours under new police powers
DVLAThe new powers aim to help tackle the rise in vehicles being used for criminal intent and ensure that the cars and other modes of transport used to aid crime are destroyed.
Minister for Crime and Policing Dame Diana Johnson said: "Anti-social 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."
She explained that the rules form part of the Plan for Change, with the new powers sending a "clear message that anti-social behaviour, whatever form it takes, will not be tolerated in local communities".
Police will also be able to seize and destroy e-bikes and e-scooters used for criminal purposes
SOUTH YORKSHIRE POLICEBefore the new rules are introduced, the Government has launched a public consultation on plans toremove, store, and dispose of vehicles in England and Wales.
The move also follows an announcement by Prime Minister Keir Starmer in April, who set out new measures as part of the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee to restore neighbourhood policing to local communities.
Chief Constable Jo Shiner of the National Police Chiefs’ Council added: "We welcome the consultation announced by the government. Anti-social 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."
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She explained that all forms of transport can potentially be exploited for criminal use, anti-social behaviour or "cause danger when used inappropriately", with the new measures hoping to address this.
Shiner shared: "Officers are committed to preventing harm and keeping our communities safe and will continue to take necessary action against those who use transport illegally.
"Officers having the ability to quickly seize, remove, store and dispose of vehicles used in an anti-social behaviour setting will help keep road users safe and protect our communities."
Meanwhile, Edmund King, AA president, explained that illegal car meets and street racing events present road safety problems, which have resulted in "needless injuries and fatalities".
Police seized thousands of vehicles last year from rule breaking driversDEVON AND CORNWALL POLICESandra Bauer, head of policy, partnerships and projects and deputy chief executive of Neighbourhood Watch, stated that the impact of dangerous vehicles, as well as e-bikes and e-scooters, can "be huge, creating safety risks, noise disturbance and intimidating people".
She added: "This initiative sends a strong message that activities like off-road biking in public parks and street racing are not harmless, but very dangerous and damaging."
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