Police seized 90 vehicles worth more than £8 million during a weekend crackdown on uninsured, dangerous and anti-social driving in central London.
A Ferrari Monza SP2 valued at around £3.7m was among dozens of high-value cars seized by Metropolitan Police officers during an enforcement operation across Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea.
23
The Met, supported by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB), seized 90 vehicles between August 7 and 9, the highest number and combined value recorded during the five-year history of the operation.
Among the cars taken was a Ferrari Monza SP2 which had reportedly been in the UK for just one day.
Police said its driver had only a provisional licence and was stopped less than half an hour after getting behind the wheel. The car was seized for being driven without insurance and otherwise than in accordance with a licence.
Only 499 Monza SP1 and SP2 models were produced by Ferrari. A Monza SP2 sold for $4.995m, around £3.7m, at auction earlier this year.
Police also used new powers allowing vehicles involved in anti-social behaviour to be seized immediately rather than drivers first receiving a warning. Fifteen vehicles were taken under those powers during the weekend.
Special chief inspector Geoff Tatman, who led the operation, said: “We regularly hear from local people who are fed up with people driving cars dangerously in the area, or with modifications which make them a nuisance to those who live nearby.
“Through operations like this we’re arresting these drivers and seizing their cars so we can keep our roads safe and send a clear message that we won’t put up with their reckless and dangerous behaviour.”
The operation involved 120 officers, including 95 from the Met’s Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team.
MIB supported officers using its Navigate insurance database, which allows police to check whether vehicles appear to have appropriate insurance cover.
MIB chief executive Angus Eaton said the operation showed that insurance rules apply regardless of the value of a vehicle.
He said: “We know that while many offenders knowingly violate the law, others that aim to be law-abiding motorists may be caught out by making a genuine insurance mistake.
“We want to help all motorists understand the importance of having the right insurance because the consequences of not having insurance or getting the right cover for their needs are severe and long-lasting.”
Police said several motorists had been caught because of errors including insurance policies carrying an incorrect registration number or covering the wrong vehicle, while some overseas policies did not provide cover for driving in the UK.
Stops made during the operation also uncovered suspected wider criminal activity.
One man was arrested after officers found 19 bank cards in other people’s names and more than £2,500 in cash. Another uninsured driver was found with £5,500 in cash and was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A, B and C drugs.
Further arrests were made in connection with an immigration offence and suspected threatening or abusive behaviour.
Westminster City Council deputy leader and cabinet member for enforcement Caroline Sargent said illegal and anti-social driving caused particular problems during the summer.
She said: “The disruption caused by these reckless drivers and boy racers is often worse during the summer months and, as well as putting people at risk, causes significant nuisance for residents and businesses.”
Last year’s equivalent operation resulted in 72 vehicles being seized for offences including driving without insurance, driving without a licence and anti-social driving. Two stolen vehicles were also recovered and eight people arrested.