HL Deb 24 July 2002 vol 638 c97WA
Lord Hardy of Wath

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will encourage or enable courts to order the confiscation of motor vehicles when these are used in connection with criminal activity. [HL5240]

Lord Falconer of Thoroton

Section 143 of the Powers of Criminal Courts (Sentencing) Act 2000 provides that a court may order a convicted offender to forfeit any property, either lawfully seized or found in his possession when apprehended for the offence, that was used for the purpose of committing or facilitating the offence.

In specified circumstances, where the offender committed the offence by driving a vehicle, the vehicle may be ordered to be forfeited.

The exercise of these powers is a matter for the courts.