Police have warned that vehicles being used anti-socially around Stone can now be seized without officers first having to issue a warning.
Stafford Borough Police issued the reminder following what it described as a recent increase in reports of car meets, car cruising and street racing in the Stone, Tittensor and Trentham areas.
Changes to Section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002 mean officers no longer have to give a warning before seizing a vehicle where the legal grounds for doing so are met.
The change came into force this summer under the Crime and Policing Act 2026.
Section 59 can apply where a vehicle is being driven carelessly or inconsiderately and its use is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance.
Previously, officers would generally issue a warning before a vehicle could be seized, although there were exceptions. That warning requirement has now been removed.
Stafford Borough Police said the strengthened powers can be used against anti-social vehicle activity including car cruising, street racing, off-road bikes, quad bikes and e-scooters.
A34 covered by car cruising order
Police have also reminded motorists that parts of the area are covered by a Public Spaces Protection Order aimed specifically at car cruising.
Stafford Borough Council’s current Public Spaces Protection Order covering car cruising came into force on 15 May 2026 and includes the A34 within its designated area.
Among the activities prohibited under the order are speeding or racing as part of car cruising, performing stunts such as drifting or wheel spinning, driving in convoy, causing an obstruction and excessively loud music or repeated sounding of horns.
The order can also cover people attending a gathering of two or more vehicles as a driver, passenger or spectator where they engage in activity that would reasonably be considered car cruising.
Police said vehicle registrations reported by members of the public, identified by officers or captured through CCTV or dashcam footage could also result in further action.
This can include a Community Protection Warning, which sets out restrictions on future behaviour. Continued offending can lead to a Community Protection Notice, with breaches potentially resulting in prosecution.
Stafford Borough Police said
“Those attending or participating in car meets, street racing or other anti-social vehicle gatherings should be aware that Staffordshire Police will continue to use all available powers to protect our communities and keep our roads safe.”
Anyone witnessing anti-social vehicle use, street racing, dangerous driving or car cruising can report it to police on 101.
People should call 999 where a crime is in progress or there is an immediate risk to public safety. Police are also asking people to provide vehicle registration numbers and descriptions where it is safe to do so.
