A Ferrari owner decided to back down from a hefty claim against the City of Cape Town’s Traffic Services in the wake of allegations that his vehicle suffered damage during the impoundment process.
Also read: Impounded taxis won’t be released for free says JP Smith
Alderman JP Smith, the City’s Mayco member for safety and security, says the Ferrari was impounded for operating unlawfully on the streets when the mechanic supposedly took it for a test drive.
When the registered owner reclaimed the vehicle, a dispute arose over apparent damages. Smith says the dealership claimed that the vehicle suffered damages after it was impounded.
‘These damages included allegations that the officer had driven the vehicle and had scratched the front bumper, had scratched the undercarriage extending through onto the back bumper, as well as causing a tear in the driver’s seat upholstery.’
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However, Smith says all impoundment processes were followed by the officer at the time. This includes a full inventory of items in the vehicle, along with photo and video evidence that details the exact condition of the vehicle.
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‘When presented with the necessary forms and receipts during the enforcement process and when asked to drive the vehicle under escort to the pound, the mechanic of the Ferrari dealership refused and this was noted on paperwork at the time.’
‘A part of [this] process includes having documented all aspects of the contents within and status of the vehicle, including noting that of existing damages or defects that are visible.’
‘At the time media reported that the owner had initiated claims of R160 000 against the City for damages caused to his vehicle, after the dealership had maintained that the damages had been caused after the City had impounded the vehicle.’
Smith says all claims against the City were dropped by the opposing parties after the City provided the video and photo evidence.
The City impounded several supercars earlier this year via its traffic by-law. Smith released a video in November depicting several high-end models that were confiscated. The vehicles were either not fitted with number plates, or confiscated due to reckless and negligent driving, or drunk driving.
Some of the cars included a Volkswagen Golf GTI, Volkswagen Golf R, Audi S3, Ford Mustang, Range Rover Evoque and Porsche Cayenne S.
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Also read:
Santaco seeks court action against the City over weekend impoundments