Commissioner visits Chorley summer project tackling ASB

The 97% increase in section 59 warnings compares to the same period last year. They apply to both the driver and the vehicle for 12months, during which time repeated careless or anti-social driving can lead to immediate vehicle seizure by the police.

Op Centurion is the countywide response to anti-social behaviour (ASB). This intelligence-led operation utilises dedicated ASB cars operated by Specialist Operations’ Advanced Drivers to patrol and target anti-social driving hotspots in Lancashire.

Lancashire Constabulary’s Assistant Chief Constable Karen Edwards said “This operation started in April and we have already seen some excellent results, for example an 61% increase in traffic offence reports for mobile phone use while driving, 18% increase in section 165s and nearly double the amount of section 59s compared to the same period last year.

“We will continue to listen to our communities and target ASB that affects our local residents, as well as tackling the ASB on our roads”.

“Anti-social behaviour can cause misery to those impacted and has the potential to cause a significant amount of harm.

“We have been working incredibly hard to tackle these issues over the last year and our efforts are paying off with ASB down by 5% across the county and 13% within our hotspot areas which have benefitted from additional resources funded by the Home Office.”

Commissioner Clive Grunshaw added: “Anti-social driving is a real concern for residents and targeting those who use our roads in a selfish and dangerous manner is an important step to make Lancashire safer.

“It’s great to see these positive results and I’m sure they will send a clear message to offenders who must know that crime and ASB, even at low level, will be punished.

“I am keen to build on this success, both in ASB hotspots and beyond and I’m committed to supporting Lancashire Constabulary to take firm action.”

Op Centurion also aims to ensure that residents know how to report other forms of ASB to the relevant authority, which isn’t always the police. Reporting options can be found on the dedicated web page – LancashireTacklingASB.co.uk

Information can also be passed to independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111. You can also call 101 or 999 in an emergency.

ENDS

What is anti-social driving?

Anti-social driving refers to behaviours exhibited by a driver that cause distress, alarm, annoyance, aggression, or danger to others. This can be to other road users, pedestrians, or neighbours.

Anti-social driving can include:

• Careless or inconsiderate driving: Driving without due care or attention or reasonable consideration can include things like tailgating, lane weaving, inappropriate speed, ignoring signs and junctions, use of a mobile phone and performing dangerous or thoughtless manoeuvres.
• Street racing: This involves illegal racing of any type of vehicle on public roads. This reckless and extremely dangerous behaviour puts other road users and pedestrians at risk of serious harm.
• Street cruising: In street cruising, vehicle owners form convoys and drive up and down streets or neighbourhoods, often to showcase their cars or bikes. They drive slowly, sometimes occupying both sides of the road, causing traffic delays and inconvenience for others.
• Riding unlicensed powered vehicles: Riding scrambler bikes, unlicensed quad bikes and similar vehicles on public roads is against the law.
• Misusing vehicles off-road: Vehicles such as quad bikes are designed for off-road use. Riding them in public parks or publicly owned land without permission from local authorities is illegal. These vehicles should also be restricted to private roads or land with proper authorisation.
• Performing stunts and tricks: Performing stunts like doughnuts and wheelies, whether on public roads or in car parks, poses risks to drivers, riders and bystanders. It can also create noise disturbances, especially if done in residential areas at night.
• Vehicle noise nuisance: Drivers can cause excessive noise through aggressive revving, aftermarket exhausts, or from the speakers within the car. This can cause real disturbance, particularly if a repeat offender constantly disturbs your peace and quiet at home.

What is a section 59?

Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 is a key power designated to help tackle the anti-social use of vehicles. This puts a warning on both the car and the driver and gives the power to seize a vehicle if the warning is ignored.

What is a section 165?

Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1998 gives police the power to seize a vehicle where there is reasonable belief that the vehicle is being used without appropriate insurance or driving license.