Ferrari worth £3.7million among supercars seized in London weekend crackdown

Ferrari worth £3.7million among supercars seized in London weekend crackdown Cars taken included a Ferrari Monza SP2, which had only been in the UK for a day - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Police have seized millions of pounds worth of supercars in a central London crackdown. More than £8million worth of vehicles – including a Ferrari Monza worth £3.7million - were seized in an operation targeting uninsured drivers, anti-social and dangerous driving across Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea. Officers from the Met, supported by Motor Insurers’ Bureau, seized a total of 90 vehicles between Friday, 7 August and Sunday, 9 August. Cars included a Ferrari Monza SP2, which had only been in the UK for a day, for driving without insurance and not in accordance with a license. The motorist only had a provisional driving license and had been in the car for less than half an hour when he was stopped by Met officers. The supercar was one of only 499 made by the Italian brand, with one model selling at auction for $4,995,000 (£3.7million) earlier this year. New powers mean officers can seize vehicles involved in antisocial behaviour rather than giving motorists a warning. A total of 15 vehicles were seized under this legislation alone across 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 clear message that we won’t put up with their reckless and dangerous behavior.” The operation featured 120 officers, including 95 from the Met’s Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team, backed by Motor Insurers’ Bureau’s expertise in uninsured driving prevention and advanced roadside support. Angus Eaton, CEO at Motor Insurers’ Bureau, said: “Operations like these show that the rules apply to all motorists, regardless of the value of the vehicle they chose to drive. 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. “We urge all motorists to check they have cover in place and that it’s adequate for them, their vehicle, and their journey types.” Met officers said that during this operation, alongside the 90 vehicles seized, stops for suspected insurance offences also enabled officers to detect a range of other criminal activity, including: - A man who was found with 19 bank cards in other people’s names and more than £2,500 in cash, who was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering - A man who was stopped for driving without insurance and found to have £5,500 in cash, who was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A, B and C drugs - A man who was arrested for using words and behaviour that would likely cause harassment, alarm, and distress to a member of public - A man who was arrested on suspicion of an immigration offence Cllr Caroline Sargent, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement at Westminster City Council, said: “People who think it’s acceptable to drive illegally in Westminster are not welcome here. 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. “We welcome the Met Police’s latest round of enforcement and our continued partnership in deterring anti-social driving, as well as the recent High Court injunction, which underlines the council's zero-tolerance approach to this behaviour. Drivers who break the rules risk losing their licence or worse.” Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments [Image text:] ELMONT ALINDRY