Anti-social drivers risk losing vehicle if caught

Police in Coldhurst have issued a stern warning to drivers who cause anti-social behaviour with their vehicles potentially seized.

PCSO Martin Smith from the Central Neighbourhood Team, Coldhurst and Westwood, said he was well aware of the disturbance caused by reckless drivers around Oldham, and in his ward.  

Anti-social behavior is anything that involves erratic driving, playing loud music outside peoples’ homes, littering from vehicles and smoking cannabis is an added criminal offence. 

The police, in collaboration with Oldham Council, aim to stamp out any kind of disturbance to ensure residents live peacefully and feel safe on the streets. 

PCSO Smith said part of the solution was to issue section 59 warnings to the offenders, adding: “This generally means that anyone who is causing alarm or distress to the public will usually be warned once about their behaviour and if it occurs a second time their vehicle will be seized. 

“More specifically to our area, signs will be placed on several locations, starting with Henshaw Street, close to Oldham Edge and Kepton Way at the rear of the flats on Middleton Road. 

“We will then highlight other areas where the public identify as giving them the most problems.” 

Officers said section 59 warnings are issued to the person driving the vehicle and the vehicle itself. This means if a warning has already been issued, the vehicle can still be seized even if it is driven by someone different. 

Furthermore, the areas with the signs will act as the first warning so if you are caught in those areas, the vehicle will be seized immediately. 

To report anti-social drivers, call police on either 101, via the web page or 999.