YOBS who terrorise towns with off-road bikes, e-scooters and cars will have them crushed within 48 hours under new police powers.
Ministers plan to reduce the time cops can destroy thugs’ vehicles from two weeks to two days so they have less chance to retrieve them.
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Officers have complained that the current 14-day window creates a “revolving door” where louts have time to reclaim their bikes and cars to keep wreaking havoc.
The Home Office has launched a consultation on their proposals to tackle the scourge of anti-social behaviour blighting communities.
Policing Minister Dame Diana Johnson said: “Anti-social and reckless driving brings misery to communities across the country, from dangerous street racing to off-road bikes tearing through local parks.
“By enabling police to seize and dispose of these vehicles within just 48 hours, we’re giving our officers the tools they need to deliver immediate results and providing communities the swift justice they deserve.”
Labour are also looking to hike the fines for the cost of seizing, towing and crushing vehicles.
Home Secretary Yvette Cooper has already announced powers for police to seize bikes, e-scooters and cars without warning.
The problem of nuisance driving has become so bad that some forces have launched dedicated operations to combat it.
Operation Vulcan in Oldham has been targeting e-bikes, four of which were seized after their drivers were arrested for drug supply.
National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Roads Policing, Chief Constable Jo Shiner, said: “Anti-social use of a vehicle, such as street racing, street cruising or off-road use is more than a matter of noise pollution.
“It can have long-term effects on a neighbourhood, with the criminal damage of roads, other vehicles and surrounding property.”
