Reckless drivers who tear around the streets of Bradford face having their vehicles seized under new police powers.

Senior officers are examining Government legislation which sees nuisance motorists paying more than £350 to have cars or motorbikes returned.

The new powers, introduced under the Police Reform Act 2002, allow police or Community Support Officers to confiscate vehicles which are driven carelessly, inconsiderately or 'off-road' in a way which causes alarm, annoyance or distress.

Home Office Minister John Denham said: "We are determined to deal with this growing problem and are giving police and Community Support Officers radical new powers to seize vehicles being driven recklessly on roads, public footpaths, parks and housing estates."

A spokesman for Bradford Police said: "We will look at this new measure with a view to seeing how it could be implemented within the county."