Ferrai Monza SP2. Photo: TheCarPhotographer / Shutterstock.com More than £8 million worth of vehicles, including a Ferrari Monza SP2 valued at around £3.7 million, have been seized during a major crackdown on uninsured, dangerous and antisocial driving in central London.
The Metropolitan Police, supported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau (MIB), seized 90 vehicles between August 7 and August 9 during an enforcement operation covering Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea. Police said it was the largest operation of its kind in five years in terms of both the number and total value of seized vehicles.
Among the vehicles taken was an exclusive Ferrari Monza SP2, one of only 499 produced by the Italian manufacturer. Police said the car had arrived in the UK just one day earlier and was seized after officers found that its driver only had a provisional license and was driving without insurance and not in accordance with the license.
The driver had reportedly been behind the wheel for less than 30 minutes before being stopped.
The Ferrari was the standout vehicle in an operation involving 120 officers, including 95 members of the Met's Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team. Officers also used MIB's Navigate insurance database to identify vehicles suspected of being uninsured.
Police said the operation also demonstrated new powers allowing officers to seize vehicles involved in antisocial behavior rather than simply issuing warnings.
Fifteen vehicles were seized under these powers alone.
Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman, who led the operation, said residents had repeatedly complained about dangerous driving and vehicle modifications causing disruption and nuisance.
The enforcement action also uncovered suspected criminal activity unrelated to some of the initial traffic offenses. One man was arrested after officers found 19 bank cards in other people's names and more than £2,500 in cash. Another driver, stopped over an insurance offense, was found with £5,500 in cash and arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.
Other arrests involved alleged harassment, alarm and distress, as well as an immigration offense.
The operation also highlighted insurance problems affecting some motorists, including incorrect vehicle registrations on policies and insurance that did not provide cover for driving in the UK.
The MIB urged drivers to check that their policies cover the correct vehicle and intended journeys, particularly visitors driving in Britain.
Westminster City Council welcomed the enforcement action, saying dangerous and disruptive driving can become particularly problematic during the summer months.
The Met said the crackdown reinforces its efforts to tackle reckless driving and improve road safety across London.