Police and Crime Commissioner for the West Midlands (PCC) Simon Foster, is calling for urgent changes to the law so that West Midlands Police are allowed to destroy vehicles used to commit crime and anti-social behaviour, within seven days of seizure rather than 14.
The proposal, submitted as part of a national consultation on amendments to vehicle seizure and disposal legislation, is aimed at tackling the growing threat posed by e-bikes, e-scooters and other vehicles being used recklessly and unlawfully on the region’s roads.
Many of these vehicles – particularly modified e-bikes – are capable of reaching speeds of over 70 mph, almost five times faster than the 15.5mph legal limit, and are increasingly being used by criminal gangs and networks. Their speed, agility, and lack of registration make them ideal for evading police and intimidating the public.
At the moment the police have to store seized vehicles for 14 days, but the PCC wants that halved.
“These vehicles are often being used to commit crime and cause fear in our communities,” outlined Simon Foster, Police and Crime Commissioner and Chair of the West Midlands Regional Road Safety Strategic Group. “They are fast, nimble, and often modified to exceed legal limits. They are used by individuals who have no regard for public safety, and their presence can be both dangerous and intimidating.”
The PCC’s proposal is grounded in his Police and Crime Plan 2025–2029, which prioritises:
- Preventing and reducing crime and anti-social behaviour
- Promoting road harm reduction
- Reducing the number of people tragically and avoidably killed or seriously injured on the roads
The proposal was developed, in close collaboration with West Midlands Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour and Roads Policing teams. Officers report that these vehicles are often used without insurance, registration, or safety equipment, and are frequently involved in dangerous group riding, off-road activity, and pavement use.
“The community expects us to take positive and targeted action to protect them,” PCC Simon Foster added. “The proposal to crush such vehicles – within 7 days of seizure – is a proportionate and welcome tactic that will deliver swift justice, prevent reoffending, and reduce the burden on police resources.”
The PCC also emphasised the need for appropriate checks and balances, to ensure that innocent vehicle owners are not unfairly penalised, while also recognising that most vehicles used in this way are never reclaimed and pose a continued risk, if returned to the streets.
The proposed change would also reduce storage costs, improve operational efficiency, and send a clear deterrent message, to those engaging in criminal and anti-social and behaviour.
As part of his plan to improve road and travel safety in the West Midlands, the PCC has also pledged to advocate for strict regulations on the weight, power and speed of privately-owned e-scooters, should their use in public spaces be legalised in the UK.
Privately owned e-scooters are still illegal to use on public roads, pavements and cycle lanes in the UK. However, they can only be used on private land with the landowner’s permission.
Rental e-scooters that are part of government-approved trials are legal to use in designated areas and must follow specific rules such as speed limits, age restrictions and insurance requirements. The PCC will continue to educate the public on the lawful use of e-scooters to ensure safety and compliance.
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