Using Vehicles to Cause Alarm, Distress or Annoyance

Question 1

The police have a number of powers under what legislation for situations where the anti social use of motor vehicles is causing concern to other people in the area?

Answer 1

s 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002

Question 2

In situations where the anti-social use of motor vehicles is causing concern to other people in the area, what must the driving amount to?

Answer 2

• Careless or inconsiderate driving
• Unlawful off-road driving
• Unlicensed on-street racing

It must also cause or be likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to other people.

Question 3

In situations where the anti social use of motor vehicles is causing concern to other people in the area, what does a police officer, using reasonable force when required, have the power to do?

Answer 3

s 59(3) of the Police Reform Act 2002

(a) To order the person driving it to stop the vehicle;
(b) To seize and remove the motor vehicle;
(c) To enter any premises on which he has reasonable grounds for believing the motor vehicle to be (not a dwelling-house or attached garage or garden).

Question 4

Failing to stop following a police order is what kind of offence?

Answer 4

A summary offence under s 59(6) of the Police Reform Act 2002 and the penalty is a fine.

Question 5

If a vehicle is to be seized under s 59(3)(b) of the Police Reform Act 2002 there is no need for warning if:

Answer 5

(a) It is impracticable to do so.
(b) A warning has already been given on that occasion.
(c) The constable has reasonable grounds for believing that such a warning has been given on that occasion otherwise than by him; or
(d) The constable has reasonable grounds for believing that the person has been given a warning (by any police officer, in respect of any vehicle being used in the same or a similar way) on a previous occasion in the previous 12 months.