by Malcolm Prior BBC News Online, Berkshire

A rise in prostitution saw police launch a high-profile operation

New legislation introduced on 1 January, 2004, has given courts the power to take away such offenders' driving licences for an unlimited period.

In Reading, Berkshire, police chiefs behind an ongoing high-profile operation to rid the town's Oxford Road of street prostitutes have welcomed the new power.

Inspector Dave Griffiths, of Thames Valley Police, told BBC News Online: "Kerb-crawling is an offence and it is also anti-social behaviour.

"Police have been working hard with their partners for many months now in a bid to combat a problem which affects innocent communities.

This new power sends out a strong message that nuisance behaviour will not be tolerated Home Office minister Hazel Blears

"We have already used powers to charge these men and put them before the courts, as well as prosecuting the women who sell themselves on the streets.

"We would welcome any new law which gives us the power to continue tackling this problem.

"Kerb-crawlers already face the shame of going to court and being prosecuted if they continue to offend, they could now lose their licenses too."

As part of Operation Embed, the force has been taking kerb-crawlers to court, as well as sending letters home to those suspected of trawling the area for prostitutes.

The new power to remove licences has been made available in addition to measures being introduced under the Anti-Social Behaviour Act (2003).

Oxford Road in Reading has become a favourite area for prostitutes

The law also applies to people who abandon their vehicles and so-called "boy-racers" caught driving off-road and harassing locals.

Home Office minister Hazel Blears said: "Kerb-crawling can blight local communities, causing misery and distress to people going about their daily lives.

"This new measure will help put a stop to kerb-crawlers harassing and intimidating women.