Police seize 90 supercars on London streets at weekend – Ferrari driver only had car for 30 minutes

When police stopped one driver they found 19 bank cards in other people’s names and more than £2,500 in cash

Police operating across Kensington and Chelsea and around Hyde Park seized 90 supercars over the weekend in a mission to crackdown on anti-social and dangerous driving in London. The cars are worth more than £8million in total and include a Ferrari Monza SP2 valued at £3.7million alone.

The Met Police operation took place between Friday (August 7) and Sunday (August 9) as officers have new powers allowing them to seize vehicles from drivers causing a nuisance to members of the public. Beforehand police could only issue warnings.

The Ferrari Monza SP2 taken by police had only been in the UK for a day. It is one of only 499 made by the Italian brand, with one model selling at auction for $4,995,000 (£3.7million) earlier this year. The exclusive supercar was seized because the driver, who had been in the car for less than half an hour, only had a provisional driving licence.

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.”

As well as the 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

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.”

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