New police powers with thousands of road users warned over crackdown

VEHICLES COULD BE TAKEN AWAY BY COPS WHO ARE PROMISING "SWIFT JUSTICE", WITH ROAD USERS AND MOTORISTS WARNED. 08:47, 03 Jun 2025 Police have been given new powers to crush, seize

and dispose off-road bikes. Vehicles could be taken away by cops who are promising "swift justice", with road users and motorists warned. Yvette Cooper, the Labour Party MP, said:

"Off-road bikes careering through estates and communities are dangerous and an antisocial nightmare. We are giving the police stronger powers to seize bikes without the need for

repeated warnings, in order to help keep our streets safe." Speaking in the Commons, Ms Cooper said: "My hon. Friend is exactly right. The issue he raises will resonate with people

across the country; whether it is Southampton or south Tyneside, too many areas are facing the blight of off-road bikes and street racing. READ MORE UK FACES 'SPANISH SCORCHER'

HEATWAVE WITH 31C AS EXACT DATE IT STARTS ANNOUNCED "At the moment, the police have to give people multiple warnings. It can be two strikes or three strikes and the bikes are still on

the streets. That is not good enough. We want to make it much easier for the police, so that it is one strike and out." Article continues below Sarah Dyke, a Liberal Democrats MP,

asked: "Off-road bikes are often used illegally across private farmland, causing damage to crops, spooking animals and leaving farmers feeling scared and vulnerable. "While the

Crime and Policing Bill includes a provision to make it easier for the police to seize vehicles associated with antisocial behaviour, Avon and Somerset police has little or no resource to

police rural crimes properly. "What steps is the Secretary of State taking to stop the illegal use of off-road bikes on farmland?" Article continues below Ms Cooper said: "As

well as strengthening the law, we are working with the National Police Chiefs’ Council on a stronger rural crime strategy. "I can tell the hon. Lady that Avon and Somerset police will

be getting 70 additional neighbourhood police officers across the area this year as a result of the neighbourhood policing guarantee."