Nuisance vehicle - Seized

Dear residents

Recently we have been made aware of vehicles being driven in Donnington and Muxton, in a manner likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance. Officers from the local Safer Neighbourhood Team were provided with locations of where vehicles would meet and potentially cause road related anti social behaviour. 

Investigative work and patrols have been conducted in those areas identified by concerned residents and other road users. One such area being the A518/Clock Tower Roundabout. Although we may not be able to identify any specific involvement of individuals committing offences, we have still taken positive action by issuing advisory notices to drivers seen in the area. The advisory notices have been used as an educational reminder and deterrent to drivers about road traffic offences. 

West Mercia Police can issue traffic offence reports to drivers who commit traffic offences, often these will result in a prosecution where the following can be issued; fines, points or reporting to court. Police also have delegated powers which allow us to issue drivers and vehicles Section 59 notices, this relates to when a vehicle is being used in a manner which has caused, is likely to cause, distress or annoyance to members of the public. 

Section 59 of the Police Reform act 2002 stipulates that vehicles may be seized and thereafter disposed of by the Police unless prescribed removal and storage charges are paid. These notices can be issued to;

Anyone person or vehicle which has been witnessed to drive in a carless or inconsiderate manner, contrary to section 3 of the Road Traffic Act 1988, or;

Any person who has been witnessed to drive on common land, moorland, land which is not part of a road, footpath, bridleway and restricted byway, contrary to section 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988. 

Last night Officers from the Roads Policing Team were on patrol where they spotted a vehicle being used in an anti-social manner, the vehicle was subsequently seized under the Section 59 powers. The driver of the vehicle was one of those who had been given an advisory notice, unfortunately they did not take on board the advice given to them. Too many people are losing their lives on our roads, and West Mercia Police are committed to making our roads safer for everyone.

Can I also take this opportunity to make you aware of OP SNAP, this is an online portal in which members of the public can upload dash camera footage of driving offences or road related ASB directly to West Mercia Police, from here each individual offence will be investigated and drivers reported for any relevant offences (which has been evidenced).

Operation Snap | West Mercia Police

Thank you for your support in this matter, we will continue to take proactive steps and positive action to tackle these issues.