An Omaha City Councilman has an idea to combat problem drivers and prostitutes at the same time. Garry Gernandt believes the key to the problem is the key in the ignition.

Just about any police officer can tell you a personal story about the problem driver who is pulled over operating a vehicle on a suspended license. The vehicle is parked and an hour later, after police are gone, the driver comes back and motors away.

The idea being proposed would give police the ability to avoid that by having those cars towed on the spot.

In an interesting twist, the plan would also give police the ability to go after prostitution by taking away cars of Johns.

Prostitution in downtown Omaha has been a problem for decades. Sting operations are currently used to curb the activity. In some cases cruising has been banned along streets where prostitution has flourished.

Jason Efken with the Leavenworth Neighborhood Association tells us, "That does help. Unfortunately, people can move."

That's why Mr. Efken is glad to hear about the plan to go after the Johns.

Under the proposed law, if someone is caught picking up a prostitute the officer would be able to deem the person's car a public nuisance and take it away.

Efken says, "A day, overnight, in jail, most people in that situation don't really care. You take their car, take something they're going to use every day, it's going to have a lot bigger affect on them."

Councilman Gernandt, who crafted the proposed enhancements to the law, says that's the idea.

Gernandt, a former Omaha Police Sergeant says, "I think it'll send a strong message to the Johns that try to come down and pick up prostitutes that not only may they lose part of their health but they're also going to lose their vehicle at the same time."

Councilman Gernandt's plan will be introduced to the city council Tuesday and there will be a public hearing on it next week.