Youths driving illegally

Agreed on 11 September 2026. Updated on 20 October 2026

There are increasing reports of youths or young people who are driving cars without either licence or not in accordance with their licence. The cars are in some cases uninsured, untaxed and are not road legal i.e. with no MOT. They are driving around the area sometimes with several other people who are of a same or similar age.

We are aware youths are either purchasing cars for a low price on facebook or taking parents cars in the middle of the night.

We are encouraging parents to have conversations with their young people around the dangers of this behaviour, and we are asking members of the public to report any suspicious activity, driving or sightings that maybe linked.

Actions

20 October 2026

We have received video footage showing a number of youths racing vehicles along the country lanes around Stoney Littleton.

The vehicles involved are believed to be two Vauxhall Astras, both of which are currently recorded as having no valid tax or insurance. At this time, we have not been able to confirm the registered keeper details for either vehicle.

These vehicles are also being linked to other criminal offences, and enquiries remain ongoing.

We are asking residents to remain vigilant and report any sightings of suspicious vehicles, particularly Vauxhall Astras, in the area. If safe to do so, please note registration numbers, descriptions, locations and times of sightings and report them to police.

Your information could assist with ongoing investigations and help keep our rural roads safe.
11 September 2026

Encouragingly, there have been no recent reports of young people driving illegally. The Neighbourhood Team will continue to carry out regular patrols to maintain this positive trend and keep local roads safe.
12 August 2026

Although reports of very young youths driving illegally have reduced significantly in recent weeks, we are aware that incidents are still occurring.

We are again appealing for members of the public to come forward with any relevant information. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers completely anonymously on 0800 555 111.
19 July 2026

Reports of very young youths driving vehicles in our area have reduced. However, we remain aware of similar incidents occurring in some of the surrounding villages.

Recently, a Neighbourhood Officer stopped a vehicle in Timsbury, which was being driven by a 15-year-old. Incidents like these highlight the significant risks associated with underage driving, both to the driver and to other road users.

We would encourage parents and guardians to be mindful of where vehicle keys are kept and to speak with young people about the dangers and legal consequences of driving without a licence or insurance. Any information regarding underage driving can be reported to the police.
7 June 2026

Although recent reports of young people driving illegally have decreased, we are still urging members of the public to remain vigilant and continue reporting any such activity. This enables appropriate action to be taken and helps ensure the safety of our communities.
19 February 2026

Your Neighbourhood Policing Team have been working closely with our partners in B&NES council, following a report to police an illegal community car suspected as being used by underaged youths has been sized and removed from the Albert Avenue area of Peasedown St John by the local authorities. We will continue to work with our partners to remove these vehicles that are a risk to our young people and the wider community.