YOUNG motorists in West York who flout the law on mopeds, motorcycles and cars face losing their licences, police warned today.

Officers are warning drivers and riders to act responsibility following a spate of complaints in the Foxwood area.

Those who fail to toe the line could also lose their vehicles as well as their right to drive, said Sgt Mike Stubbs, of the York Community Policing Team.

He said: "Recent legislation allows us to seize vehicles which are used in a manner likely to cause alarm, distress, or annoyance to members of the public.

"In order to get their vehicle back the owner will have to pay the recovery charge, currently £112, and any storage charges.

"Those costs may be more than the vehicle is worth, and are in addition to any fines that could be imposed for offences which have been committed."

Sgt Stubbs said a number of city youths were facing court action following extra police patrols in the area.

He also warned that some drivers were still unaware of changes to the law regarding insuring their vehicles for use in public places.

"Prior to 2000, the requirement for third party insurance only applied to vehicles used or kept on a road, but a change to the insurance regulations means that vehicles used or kept in a public place also need to be insured," he said.

"In law, 'a public place' means anywhere that the public have access - this includes places like car parks.

"It can also include private land if it is used by the public. As well as a fine, offenders can receive six penalty points on their licence."

The tough laws have already been used in Ryedale, where officers warned boy racers to behave themselves, or lose their vehicles.

Residents close to car parks in Wentworth Street, Malton and Eastgate, Pickering, were plagued by antisocial motorists until 2am or 3am on some nights before the new rules came into effect.

Ryedale police seized their first vehicle in June last year, as the issue became a top priority for local officers.

Updated: 08:27 Wednesday, July 21, 2004