DANGEROUS drivers face having their vehicles seized by police using new powers to clamp down on reckless driving.

Dorset Police chiefs will use a recently-introduced law to confiscate cars and motorcycles as part of a campaign to target speeding motorists, boy racers and people driving illegally on land in Dorset.

They are warning boy-racers and motorcyclists who use roads as race-tracks or for speed trials they will be targeted.

Chief Inspector Glen Chalk, head of the force's road policing unit, said problem areas included Weymouth Esplanade, roads and land around Littlemoor, Portesham and Hardy's Monument and its surrounding roads.

Police were left in disbelief after they received a report of young children riding on the bonnet and boot of a car being driven in Louviers Road, Littlemoor, and there have been a number of incidents of young drivers speeding along the sea front.

Scrambler bikes are often driven across land at beauty spots, causing a danger to walkers and wildlife.

The warning also comes after a high-speed collision between a motorcycle and a car on a Dorset industrial estate, which left a biker in a critical condition in hospital. It is believed motorcyclists use the Holton Heath Industrial Estate near Wareham for speed trials and cruise-type events.

Chief Insp Chalk said the new law, which comes under the Police Reform Act 2002, means drivers caught using roads as racetracks are given a warning from an officer that lasts for 12 months. If they are caught driving dangerously again within this period their vehicle is immediately seized and impounded.

People will have 21 days to pick up their vehicle and if it is not recovered after three months it will be disposed of or sold and the proceeds will be used to pay for the storage charge.

Chief Insp Chalk said: "The new powers will be effective.

"Dorset Police is determined to refocus its efforts to ensure effective measures are brought in to deal with the problem of dangerous and annoying driving."