Police are asking the public to drop the cape, stop being heroes and let them do their job, if they see bad drivers on the roads.

This comes after a leading tourism official asked police to take a hardline on key snatchers by charging the next person who accosts a tourist driver and takes their keys.

Southern area commander, superintendent Andrew Coster says police are taking things on a case by case basis.

He says the best approach is to call the police and help them locate the dodgy driver.

"Particularly when there is an ongoing hazard, we'd be for the call taker to keep the member of the public on the line so that we can get some commentary about where the vehicle is heading."

Superintendent Andrew Coster says there's no particular statute which bans the taking of keys.

He says there's a range of charges police could use if they decided to prosecute someone.

"It could be theft, there could also be a charge of assault or unlawful interference with a motor vehicle."