Which act provides power to seize vehicles causing alarm, distress or annoyance?

• A. S59 Police Reform Act 2002
• B. S4 PACE
• C. S163 RTA 1988
• D. S99-101 RTRA 1984

Answer: (A)

The key idea is that a specific power exists for addressing anti-social vehicle use. Under the Police Reform Act 2002, Section 59, a police officer can issue a Section 59 notice to stop a vehicle being used in a way that is likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to the public. If the driver does not comply, or if the nuisance continues, the police have the authority to seize and remove the vehicle to a suitable place for a period (to prevent further disruption). This provision is aimed directly at curbing nuisance driving and protecting the public from harassment on roads and in public spaces.

Other options don’t provide this particular seizure power for nuisance driving. The cited PACE power relates to stop and search practices, not seizure of vehicles for anti-social use. The Road Traffic Act provisions cover other traffic offences and enforcement mechanisms, but not the specific nuisance-based seizure power established by the Police Reform Act.