A WARNING has gone out to boy racers and others who drive inconsiderately, that, if they fail to mend their ways, their cars can now be seized by the police.

The warning follows the first seizure of a vehicle in Salisbury under new legislation designed to combat antisocial driving behaviour and to deprive potentially dangerous drivers of their vehicles.

The incident took place about 6.40pm on November 16, in St John Street, following police observations of a blue Rover MG car.

The car was allegedly being driven in an inappropriate manner and was thought likely to be a danger to others.

Its driver, a 19-year-old man from Shrewton, had previously been warned under the new law - Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002.

A notice of seizure was served by officers and the car was removed to a storage unit.

Inspector Mike AshfordSmith, of Salisbury police, said Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 was "a powerful piece of legislation in cases where vehicles were used carelessly, or in a manner which caused alarm, distress or annoyance".

"Examples of this behaviour may include screeching of tyres, handbrake turns on a housing estate or in a supermarket car park, or even driving around with car windows open and excessively loud music being played," he said.

"Owners of seized vehicles are thereafter liable to a fee for the removal and storage of the vehicle until it is collected.

"This is normally more than £100, without storage costs."

Inspector Paul Williams, head of Salisbury police's traffic department, said: "The seizure of this vehicle should send out a clear message to drivers who drive in a careless, inconsiderate or antisocial manner.

"It also demonstrates that the force responds to public concerns and complaints about antisocial driving behaviour.

"Experience has shown that many such complaints are directed at young drivers, some using higher performance vehicles.

"These drivers are in a high-risk category in terms of being involved in road collisions and Wiltshire Constabulary will continue to use this and other legislation to reduce road deaths and casualties."

Insp AshfordSmith added that a number of other motorists in the area had already been issued with official warning notices.

These notices were valid for 12 months and further instances of bad driving of these vehicles might result in further seizures, he said.