New powers under Plan for Change aim to deliver swift justice and safer streets across the UK
Drivers and riders who misuse their vehicles to cause disruption, fear, or harm could see their cars, e-scooters or off-road bikes seized and crushed within 48 hours under sweeping new proposals announced by the UK government. As part of the Home Office’s wider Plan for Change and Safer Streets mission, a public consultation has been launched to fast-track the disposal of vehicles linked to antisocial behaviour. Currently, officers must wait 14 days before destroying a seized vehicle, a delay which allows many offenders to reclaim their vehicles and continue offending. Under the proposed changes, that grace period would be slashed to just two days.
The new measures are designed to tackle a growing scourge of vehicle-driven disorder – from reckless street racing and illegal car meets to off-road motorbikes tearing through parks and estates.
The government’s aim is to give police “immediate tools” to remove the threat and send a “clear message” that antisocial behaviour on wheels will no longer be tolerated.
Home Office Minister for Crime and Policing, Dame Diana Johnson, said: “Antisocial 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.”
Under the proposals, police would also gain powers to seize vehicles without first issuing a warning, further empowering them to act quickly in protecting neighbourhoods. It marks a significant departure from the current rules that often require prior notification before officers can take action.
Beyond the immediate deterrent effect, the new policy is expected to aid wider crime reduction efforts. E-scooters and e-bikes – increasingly used by organised crime groups for drug dealing and theft – could also be confiscated and destroyed under the same regime. Chief Constable Jo Shiner, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, welcomed the move, noting the ripple effect antisocial vehicle use has on entire communities. “This is more than a matter of noise,” she said. “It can lead to criminal damage of roads and property, create serious safety risks for pedestrians and road users, and often functions as a form of intimidation. The ability for officers to swiftly seize, store and dispose of vehicles will be vital in protecting our communities.”
“Antisocial and reckless driving brings misery to communities across the country, from dangerous street racing to off-road bikes tearing through local parks. These new powers give the officers the tools they need to deliver immediate results.”
-Dame Diana Johnson, Minister for Crime and Policing
The government is also reviewing the statutory fees associated with removing and disposing of vehicles in England and Wales, ensuring police forces can afford the increased enforcement activity without stretching budgets. Neighbourhood Watch groups have thrown their support behind the new proposals. Sandra Bauer, Deputy Chief Executive and Head of Policy at Neighbourhood Watch, said that off-road biking and street racing are far from harmless fun.”We’re so used to seeing powerful vehicles on our roads that it’s easy to forget just how dangerous and noisy they can be, especially when they’re being used antisocially,” Bauer said. “Our members tell us the impact on a neighbourhood can be huge – from noise and intimidation to real safety risks. This initiative sends a strong message that these behaviours won’t be brushed aside.”
The fast-tracking of vehicle destruction is just one of several measures under the Plan for Change, an initiative designed to bolster neighbourhood policing, tackle crime, and restore public trust. In April, the Prime Minister introduced the Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee, which mandates that every force in England and Wales appoints a dedicated antisocial behaviour lead. These officers are tasked with understanding and responding to local concerns with tailored enforcement strategies.
The crackdown also ties in with new “Respect Orders” currently being piloted, which are aimed at persistent perpetrators of antisocial behaviour. Together, these reforms signal a government-wide push to deliver quick, visible results for communities weary of disruption and danger on their streets.
Edmund King, President of the AA, praised the proposals:
“Illegal car meets and street racing are not just antisocial – they pose serious road safety risks and have caused injuries and fatalities. This is a positive step that should make people think twice before taking part in these events.” The public consultation will determine the final shape of the legislation, with input sought from police forces, councils, community groups, and residents. If passed, the reforms could be rolled out as early as 2025, adding fresh momentum to the campaign to make streets across the country safer and more liveable.
For now, communities troubled by antisocial driving – from noisy exhausts to intimidating off-road bikes – may soon see police equipped with the power to take meaningful, fast action.
