TEENS who ride around on illegal, souped up or modified scooters or cars are being warned they face the risk of having their vehicles seized. Police in Nailsea teamed up with the VOSA and the force's road traffic policing unit to launch Operation Torque w

TEENS who ride around on illegal, souped up or modified scooters or cars are being warned they face the risk of having their vehicles seized.Police in Nailsea teamed up with the VOSA and the force's road traffic policing unit to launch Operation Torque which saw officers crack down on youngsters driving illegal vehicles.The crackdown saw checkpoints set up across the town with officers stopping youngsters on mopeds, motorbikes and cars.As a result a number of vehicles were pulled over and taken back to the police station where they were put on a rolling road to check their speed.The checks revealed a number of the mopeds had been de-restricted, with one clocking up speeds of 53 miles per hour.In total 11 motorcycles and five cars were taken back to the station to undergo checks.Eight vehicles were issued with notices and taken off the road for various defects including bald tyres and faulty brakes.Two youths were issued with on-the-spot fines of £200 after it was discovered they were riding without insurance. Officers also gave out seven cautions and a number of fixed penalty notices for offences of driving without tax or MOT.One youth was arrested after it was discovered he was wanted on warrant with a second man arrested for driving while disqualified.Nailsea community beat officer PC Adam Clarke said: "It was a very successful operation which was not only aimed at targeting those who drive illegally but also to educate young people about the importance of being safe and responsible on the road."This is the first time we have organised an operation like this and are planning to carry out another in the near future.