£8m in supercars seized in Kensington and Chelsea traffic crackdown

Police removed 90 vehicles, including a £3.7 million Ferrari Monza, from the streets of Kensington and Chelsea over the weekend of 7 August 2026. The operation, which targeted uninsured and antisocial drivers, resulted in the seizure of more than £8 million worth of cars, the highest total in the initiative’s five-year history.

The Ferrari Monza, one of only 499 produced, was stopped on 7 August after being driven for less than half an hour by a provisional licence holder. Officers found the driver had no insurance and seized the vehicle. The car had arrived in the UK only the day before.

New powers allow immediate seizures

Fifteen of the 90 vehicles were seized under new legislation that allows police to remove cars involved in antisocial behaviour without issuing a warning. The Met said the change enables faster action against drivers causing alarm or distress to residents.

Special Chief Inspector Geoff Tatman, who led the operation, said the police were responding to repeated complaints from local people. "We regularly hear from residents who are fed up with dangerous driving and vehicles modified to cause a nuisance," he said, as reported by the Metropolitan Police. "Operations like this send a clear message that we won’t tolerate reckless behaviour."

Insurance checks uncover wider crimes

Officers used the Motor Insurers’ Bureau’s database, Navigate, to identify uninsured drivers. The checks also led to arrests for unrelated offences. A man found with 19 bank cards in others’ names and £2,500 in cash was arrested on suspicion of handling stolen goods and money laundering.

Another driver, stopped for no insurance, was found with £5,500 in cash and arrested on suspicion of supplying Class A, B and C drugs. Two further arrests were made for public order offences and an immigration offence.

Council welcomes police action

Cllr Caroline Sargent, Westminster City Council’s Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Enforcement, said the operation would deter antisocial driving. "People who drive illegally in Westminster are not welcome," she said, as reported by the Metropolitan Police. "The disruption caused by reckless drivers puts residents and businesses at risk."

Sargent referenced a recent High Court injunction secured by the council, which she said underlined its zero-tolerance approach. Drivers caught breaking the rules risk losing their licences or facing more severe penalties.

What happens next

The seized vehicles will be held by police pending further investigation or disposal. Residents can report antisocial or dangerous driving to the Met via its online reporting tool or by calling 101. The Motor Insurers’ Bureau advises drivers to check their insurance status at www.checkyourvehicle.org.uk.