A vehicle has been taken off the road in Newport after Gwent Police said it was seen travelling at excessive speed through a 20mph limit.
The pursuit
According to the force, officers had to hit 70mph just to close the gap on the vehicle.
It happened early in the morning, when Newport’s roads were busy with traffic and people on foot.
Police admitted they were unable to record a precise speed for the vehicle. They said this did not stop them acting, and the vehicle was seized.
The power behind it
The force used the incident to remind drivers of Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002. The law allows officers to seize vehicles without giving any warning.
Under the legislation, motorists risk losing their vehicle if they:
- use it in a way that causes alarm, distress or annoyance
- drive carelessly or inconsiderately
Community concerns
Gwent Police said it is taking robust action against dangerous driving. It added that communities are still contacting the force about behaviour on local roads that it described as unacceptable.
