London police have confiscated a record $10 million worth of high-end supercars over a single weekend in a targeted crackdown on antisocial driving. The operation, which ran from Friday to Sunday, utilized new powers granted to the Metropolitan Police this year, allowing officers to seize vehicles directly rather than issuing preliminary warnings to motorists.
Among the seized luxury vehicles was an exceptionally rare Ferrari Monza SP2, valued at nearly $5 million at auction and one of only 499 ever manufactured. According to authorities, the vehicle had been in the United Kingdom for just one day, lacked insurance, and was being operated by a driver holding only a provisional learner's license.
Under English law, antisocial driving encompasses activities such as street racing, cruising in convoys, and generating excessive noise pollution. Local authorities have noted that these issues tend to intensify during warmer periods. Caroline Sargent, a lawmaker with the Westminster City Council, highlighted the seasonal impact of the issue.
"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," Sargent said.
This year, police have been given the power to seize vehicles involved in antisocial behavior rather than giving motorists a warning, the Met Police said in a statement.
The weekend operation was designed to address growing community frustration over dangerous driving and heavily modified vehicles. Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman, who spearheaded the initiative, emphasized that residents are tired of dangerous driving and disruptive vehicle modifications.
"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," Tatman said. "Through operations like this, we're arresting these drivers and seizing their cars so we can keep our roads safe."
Authorities in England consider antisocial driving to include causing unnecessary noise pollution, street racing and cruising in a convoy, among other types of public nuisance.
Related Articles
Meet Md. Rubel Rana
​As a core contributor to Worlddincidents.com, Rubel Rana brings a unique perspective to the world of journalism. Whether it’s deep-diving into historical trivia or covering the latest global headlines, Rubel Rana is committed to delivering high-quality, high-impact articles. Their writing blends meticulous research with a compelling voice, helping readers stay informed and curious about the world around them.