JOYRIDERS

The vehicles of nuisance drivers who use streets and parks as race tracks could be seized under newly-introduced powers. The joyriders will then have to pay up to £357 to retrieve their cars or motorcycles. But vehicle owners will not have to pay the fee if they were not the driver, or if the vehicle was stolen. The powers come under the Police Reform Act 2002 which allows police and community support officers to seize cars and motorcycles which are being driven carelessly, inconsiderately or "off-road" in a manner that causes alarm, annoyance or distress.

Home Office Minister John Denham said, "Joyriding and the anti-social use of cars and motorbikes can blight local communities, causing misery and distress to people going about their daily lives." He added, "We are determined to deal with this growing problem and are giving police and community support officers radical new powers to seize vehicles being driven recklessly on roads, public footpaths, parks and housing estates. This will put an immediate stop to dangerous and intimidating behaviour." Yeah, right.