THEY'VE GOT THE POWER
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VOSA generally uses its power to impound or detain vehicles that are unroadworthy or do not appear to have an 0-licence.
Police forces have the power to seize any vehicle if it is being driven without the appropriate licence, uninsured or being used in an anti-social manner (causing alarm, harassment or distress). This includes inconsiderate driving and unauthorised off-road driving.
Forces also have the powers to retain vehicles as exhibits in court cases, for example in fatal accidents where criminal charges are being brought, perhaps of death by dangerous driving, This can be frustrating as a vehicle operator may lose the use of the vehicle for a long period of time until the conclusion of proceedings and any possible appeal," says transport lawyer Tim Ridyard. Customs officials employed by the UK Border Agency have the power to seize and retain vehicles that are used for importing controlled goods or goods on which excise duty is payable, for example the evasion of duty on cigarettes or alcohol or drug smuggling.
They can also impound vehicles found carrying stowaways on non-payment of a mandatory on-the-spot fine of £2,000 per stowaway.
An explanation of the regulations can be found by logging on to www.opsi.gov.uk/sVsi2009/uksi_20091965_en_l Responses to the consultation on the regulations can be found at http://bit.ly/5uloa8