A specialist Christchurch police unit targeting dangerous driving behaviour has impounded more than 20 vehicles following a focused operation across the city.

The Anti-Social Road User (ASRU) team, a dedicated police division responsible for identifying high-risk drivers and unsafe vehicles, recently carried out enforcement activity in known problem areas.

Police said 30 vehicles were identified for offending, with many issued green stickers for serious defects and removed from the road.

A further six vehicles were impounded last weekend for unnecessary exhibition of speed and dangerous driving.

In some cases, drivers were not present when police arrived.

Notices have since been sent to registered owners requiring them to identify the driver involved, and the ASRU team will follow up with charges where appropriate.

Senior Sergeant Michael Jones, Road Policing, said the behaviour of anti-social drivers posed a serious risk to the public.

“These drivers are really reckless, the way they’re speeding all over the city, putting anyone that’s on the road and footpaths in danger,” he said.

“We’re also finding that they’re modifying their cars, making them unsafe to be driven on the road. The Christchurch ASRU team are focusing on making sure we’re catching these offenders, and their vehicles, to hold them to account.”

Police are urging residents to report dangerous driving as it happens by calling 111.

“Even if the drivers have fled the area before Police arrive, a recording of bad driving would be excellent evidence, as would registration, and the date, time and place of the offence,” Senior Sergeant Jones said.