New police powers to confiscate the vehicles of 'nuisance drivers' came into effect yesterday. The new measure, under the Police Reform Act 2002, also allows the police to levy a fine of up to £357 for vehicle retrieval.

It gives police and community officers the power to seize cars and motorbikes driven 'carelessly, inconsiderately, or off road in a manner that causes alarm, annoyance or distress.'

Home Office minister John Denham says: “Joyriding and anti-social use of cars and motorbikes can blight local communities, causing misery and distress to people going about their daily lives.

“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.”