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<p>The Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government has not met
the Secretary of State for Justice to discuss car cruising.</p><p>The Anti-Social
Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014 provides the police, local authorities and
other local agencies with a range of flexible powers that they can use to respond
quickly and effectively to different forms of anti-social and nuisance behaviour.</p><p>The
powers include the Community Protection Notice which can be used by the police or
the local authority to deal with particular problems or nuisances, including noise
related, that are having a persistent or continuing and detrimental effect on the
quality of life of those in the locality; the Civil Injunction which allows the police,
local councils and other local agencies to apply to the court for an injunction against
an individual or individuals in a range of circumstances where their behaviour is
causing, or is likely to cause, harassment, alarm or distress; a Criminal Behaviour
Order which can be issued by a court against an individual convicted of an offence
to stop the behaviour of the most destructive individuals; a Public Spaces Protection
Order which councils can issue to stop people committing anti-social behaviour in
a public space; a Dispersal Power which can be used by the police to move-on problem
groups or individuals; and a Closure Power which the police and councils can use to
close premises that are a magnet for trouble.</p><p>The powers in the 2014 Act are
deliberately local in nature, and it is for local agencies to determine whether their
use is appropriate in the specific circumstances which apply.</p><p>The police also
have the power under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 to seize vehicles. This
can be as a result of using a vehicle in a careless and inconsiderate manner, contrary
to the Road Traffic Act 1988, and in a manner causing alarm, distress or annoyance
to members of the public. Before so doing, a constable is required to give a warning
that the vehicle will be seized unless the behaviour stops. The only exception is
where a warning is impractical, or has already been given on that occasion, or given
to the same person within the previous 12 months. The requirement for a warning provides
people with the chance to stop their behaviour of their own accord and ensures the
power of seizure is only used when necessary. Seizure, if carried out, puts an immediate
stop to the behaviour in question. The seizure is not permanent: the owner can reclaim
the vehicle on payment of prescribed removal and storage charges.</p><p>Any assessment
of the effectiveness of these powers would be a matter for the Home Office.</p>
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