London's Metropolitan Police seized 90 supercars worth more than £8 million during a weekend crackdown on anti-social and dangerous driving in Kensington, Chelsea, and around Hyde Park. Among the vehicles impounded was a rare Ferrari Monza SP2 valued at £3.7 million, driven by a motorist who had only held the car for 30 minutes and possessed just a provisional licence.
Operation details and new powers
The operation ran from Friday, August 7, to Sunday, August 9, utilising new police powers that allow officers to seize vehicles from drivers causing a nuisance to the public. Previously, officers could only issue warnings. The Ferrari Monza SP2, one of only 499 produced by the Italian manufacturer, had been in the UK for just a day before it was confiscated. A similar model fetched $4,995,000 (£3.7 million) at auction earlier this year.
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.”
Additional arrests and criminal discoveries
During stops for suspected insurance offences, officers uncovered a range of criminal activity. One man was found with 19 bank cards in other people’s names and more than £2,500 in cash, leading to his arrest on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering. Another driver, stopped for driving without insurance, was discovered with £5,500 in cash and arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply Class A, B, and C drugs.
Further arrests included a man detained for using words or behaviour likely to cause harassment, alarm, or distress, and another on suspicion of an immigration offence. The crackdown followed complaints from residents about nuisance and dangerous driving in the area.
Local authority response
Councillor 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.”
The seized vehicles, collectively worth over £8 million, include high-end models from brands like Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Porsche. The operation highlights the ongoing efforts by law enforcement to address dangerous driving in central London, particularly during peak summer periods when such incidents tend to rise.
Police have urged the public to continue reporting anti-social driving behaviour, emphasising that the new seizure powers are a critical tool in deterring reckless motorists. The investigation into the arrested individuals is ongoing, and further charges may follow.
