New Police Powers - New Section 59 Vehicle Seizure Powers

🚔 What is changing?

The Government has changed Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002, which is used to deal with vehicles being driven in an anti-social manner, such as off-road bikes, quad bikes, e-scooters, or cars causing alarm, distress or annoyance.

✅ Current law: In most cases, police must give the rider or driver a warning before they can seize the vehicle.

✅ New Powers : Police will be able to seize the vehicle immediately without first giving a warning. This is intended to help officers tackle anti-social vehicle use more quickly and prevent repeat offending.

🚨 What does this mean for the public?

If you use a vehicle in a way that causes alarm, distress, or annoyance to others, police may be able to seize it straight away, rather than giving you a warning first.

👍 Message to the community

Most road users have nothing to worry about. These powers are aimed at those who use vehicles irresponsibly and disrupt local communities. The changes will help police take swift action against anti-social vehicle use and keep our neighbourhoods safer

Give this post a 👍 if you support these new powers and want to see more proactive policing to keep our streets safe.

📞 Report crime : • 999 if a crime is in progress or there is an immediate danger to life.

• 101 for non-emergency matters.
• Report online via the Kent Police website.

Message Sent By

Joey Weatherall
(Kent Police, Police Constable, Swanley Neighbourhood beat officer)