SECTION 59 POWERS HAVE CHANGED

#ProblemSolvingPolicing | Section 59 powers have changed and we want the community to know exactly what that means.

Officers and PCSO's now have the authority to seize a vehicle immediately under Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. 

The previous requirement to issue a warning first has been removed. If the behaviour meets the criteria, officers can take action on the spot.

🚓 What is a Section 59?

A Section 59 applies when a vehicle is being used in a way that:

- Contravenes Section 3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, meaning careless or inconsiderate driving or illegal off‑road driving

- Causes alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public, or is likely to do so.

This includes behaviour such as:

- Revving engines or wheel‑spinning in residential areas  

- Riding motorcycles or quad bikes on footpaths, parks or fields - Driving in a way that intimidates or disturbs others  

- Anti‑social use of vehicles anywhere in the community  

🚨 What's changed? 

Officers no longer need to issue a warning first. If your driving meets the criteria above, your vehicle can be seized immediately.

This change is designed to help us tackle:

- Persistent nuisance vehicles  

- Anti‑social driving  

- Off‑road bikes causing disruption  

- Behaviour that puts the public at risk  

👮 Our message…

We’re committed to keeping our roads, parks and neighbourhoods safe. If you use a vehicle in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance, or drive carelessly or inconsiderately, you risk losing that vehicle on the spot.

If you see anti‑social vehicle use, please report it to us via 101 or online, in an emergency call 999.