Westminster council cracks down on supercar bad behaviour

Here’s why

Custom Rolls Royce Phantoms, Lamborghinis, Ferraris and a trike are just some of the luxury vehicles caught-out in an operation to crack down on illegally parked supercars.

A series of “special operations” have been held by Westminster City Council’s traffic marshals around Covent Garden.

The operations were started after complaints from residents during the summer months about supercars and luxury vehicles parking illegally and inconsiderate behaviour.

Three operations, each lasting eight hours, were held around problem roads including Henrietta Street and Bedford Street.

The team of six traffic marshals took a tow truck in case vehicles needed to be relocated during the operation. The aim was to prevent illegal parking and ensure the safe and expedient movement of traffic. 

The team also spoke to drivers who were with their vehicles, advising them to move on and suggesting where they could legally park.

Supercars and luxury vehicles illegally parking is a summer issue that affects Westminster and its surrounding boroughs.

This summer, the council’s parking marshals ticketed multiple supercars and luxury vehicles for parking illegally including Maseratis, Bentleys, Mercedes, Rolls Royces and Range Rovers.

During the three operations marshals observed hundreds of cars of which 78 were supercars. Four PCNs were issued to supercars specifically and 19 PCNs were handed to luxury vehicles.

 

During two of the operations the same custom Rolls Royce Phantom was found parked on double yellow lines. Both times it was issued with a fine.

Cllr Danny Chalkley, Cabinet Member for City Highways, said: “Unfortunately some drivers feel that owning a hugely expensive high performance car exempts them from parking rules.

“During the summer months some motorists believe central London is a rule-free racetrack. It’s great to see impressive cars, but whether you own a Maserati or Mini, you must abide by the rules.”

Initial feedback has been positive with members of the public thanking the marshals for their work and confirming there has been an improvement in supercar behaviour.

Supercar drivers have generally cooperated with council marshals and moved on with minimal fuss.