METROPOLITAN POLICE SEIZE 90 VEHICLES WORTH £8M IN LONDON OPERATION

The Metropolitan Police seized more than £8 million worth of vehicles across central London between 7 and 9 August, including a Ferrari Monza SP2 valued at £3.7 million. Officers conducted the operation in Hyde Park, Kensington and Chelsea, targeting uninsured drivers and those engaged in anti-social or dangerous driving. A total of 90 vehicles were impounded during the three-day period, with the force supported by the Motor Insurers' Bureau.

The Ferrari Monza seized had arrived in the United Kingdom only one day before being stopped. The driver held only a provisional driving licence and had been operating the vehicle for less than thirty minutes when officers intercepted him. The motorist was charged with driving without insurance and driving contrary to a provisional licence condition. Fifteen vehicles were seized under legislation permitting officers to impound cars involved in anti-social behaviour, a power that allows enforcement action without issuing a warning. The operation deployed 120 officers, including 95 from the Metropolitan Police's Special Constabulary and Vehicle Enforcement Team.

Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman stated that local residents had reported frustration with dangerous driving and modified vehicles creating noise disturbance in the area. Angus Eaton, Chief Executive of the Motor Insurers' Bureau, said the operation demonstrated that traffic regulations apply uniformly regardless of vehicle value. The force indicated the action formed part of its regular enforcement activity in the region targeting reckless driving.