Speeding drivers now risk having their cars impounded. Police forces around the country are turning to a little-known law that allows them to seize vehicles being driven “anti-socially” — causing alarm, distress or harassment. That includes excessive speeding and racing. Owners are charged £105 to get their vehicle back. If they don’t pay, it can be crushed after 21 days.

Police in Lincolnshire earlier this month seized a Citroën Saxo belonging to a driver who had done 50mph in a 30mph zone. They used powers under section 59 of the Police Reform Act 2002, the first time they have used the powers in this way since they came into effect in 2003.

As well as a release fee owners will have to pay storage costs of £12 a day. They may also be charged with speeding and driving without due care and attention. Lincolnshire police said the move would send a message to other motorists. Other police forces are expected to follow suit.

Under section 59, drivers are warned for a first offence, but if the car is caught again within a year, regardless of who is at the wheel, it can be seized. Devon and Cornwall, Wiltshire and Derbyshire constabularies have used the powers to confiscate vehicles and warn drivers, though the precise nature of the offences is not known. Police in Caerphilly have impounded three vehicles and issued 71 warning notices since last summer to stop “boy racers”.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents welcomed the moves: “For some of these people their car is their prized possession, and taking it away may be the only deterrent that works.”