[holding answer 17 January 2008]: The police can seize vehicles under Section 59, Police Reform Act 2002 and Section 165A, Road Traffic Act 1988 as amended. Section 59 enables the police to seize a vehicle they reasonably believe is being driven in a way that both contravenes s3 or 34 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (careless/inconsiderate driving or off-road driving without authority) and is causing or is likely to cause alarm, distress or annoyance. Section 165A enables the police to seize a vehicle they reasonably believe is being driven by someone who does not have an appropriate licence (including a disqualified driver) or appropriate insurance. In both cases the police can hold the vehicle until a person pays prescribed charges in respect of its removal and storage and, in respect of s165A, produces licence and insurance. They can dispose of the vehicle if it is not claimed and retain sufficient of the proceeds to cover the unpaid charges.
The information requested is a matter for the police forces in Lancashire, Cumbria, north, south and west Yorkshire, Humberside and Great Manchester.