The UK government is taking strong steps to reduce antisocial behaviour caused by reckless driving, off-road biking in parks, and illegal street racing. Under the latest Plan for Change, new police powers will help keep communities safer and stop offenders from disturbing public peace.
Faster Action Against Antisocial Drivers
At the moment, police need to wait 14 days before destroying a seized vehicle. This delay gives offenders time to claim their vehicles back, making the punishment less effective. But under new proposals, police will be allowed to seize and destroy vehicles in just 48 hours if they are used for antisocial behaviour.
Whether it’s noisy car meets, e-scooters causing problems on footpaths, or bikes racing in parks, vehicles can now be taken off the roads much faster. This sends a clear message: antisocial behaviour on wheels will not be tolerated.
No More Warnings Needed
Another key change is that police won’t have to give a warning before seizing vehicles involved in public disturbances. This means that anyone caught using vehicles to disturb others, even once, can have them taken away immediately.
These stronger powers aim to protect public parks, streets, and neighbourhoods from being misused by reckless individuals who cause fear, noise, or danger through their actions.
Reducing Serious Crime
It’s not just about stopping noise and disruption. E-scooters and e-bikes are often used in serious crimes, like drug dealing and gang activities. The new rules will help reduce these crimes by removing the tools used to commit them.
What the Officials Say
Dame Diana Johnson, the Minister for Crime and Policing, said this plan gives police the power to act fast and keep communities safe. “Antisocial driving causes real misery,” she said, adding that these new powers will bring swift justice to those who cause trouble.
The changes are part of a broader government mission for Safer Streets, which also includes a Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee. Every police force will now have a dedicated officer for antisocial behaviour in their area.
Police Support the Move
Chief Constable Jo Shiner, leading roads policing at the National Police Chiefs’ Council, welcomed the move. She pointed out that activities like street cruising and off-road riding are not just noisy – they damage roads, vehicles, and even private property. They also risk serious injury to riders, drivers, and others.
She stressed that these vehicles are also used for intimidation, making communities feel unsafe. Officers will now be able to act quickly to remove these threats, using existing laws and raising public awareness.
Vehicle Removal Costs Under Review
To help police forces act without delay, the government is also reviewing the cost of removing, storing, and disposing of vehicles. This will make it easier for officers to take action without worrying about funding issues.
Community Support Grows
Groups like Neighbourhood Watch and The AA are backing the new plan. Edmund King, president of AA, said that illegal car meets are not just annoying—they are dangerous and have caused injuries and deaths.
Sandra Bauer from Neighbourhood Watch added that people often forget how dangerous and loud powerful vehicles can be when misused. The new measures, she said, make it clear that these actions are not harmless fun but serious threats to safety and peace.
The new police powers under the Plan for Change aim to create safer streets by stopping the rise of antisocial driving and off-road biking. By allowing quicker seizure and destruction of vehicles, and removing the need for warnings, the government is making sure that people who misuse public spaces feel the full force of the law. These changes reflect a strong stand against behaviour that puts others at risk and disturbs the peace of our neighbourhoods.
