Who do you think you are; Lewis Hamilton?

Speeding motorists have plenty to fear if caught by the traffic police along with, so it seems, the cutting wit of the boys in blue.

Inspector Mick Dunn at the Metropolitan Police said: “Drivers are already on edge when they’ve been pulled over, so an opening gambit helps break the ice and start a dialogue. If we don’t have to issue tickets, we won’t, but aggressive behaviour and an argumentative attitude will be dealt with accordingly.”

Examples are far reaching and regularly feature humour.

Drivers caught in the bus lane have been asked: “How much is it for a single to Piccadilly Circus?”

Speeding and erratic drivers giving a positive response to the question: “Is this your vehicle?” can expect to hear … “That surprises me considering that you’re driving like you stole it.”

Tailgating drivers could be asked: “Can I assume you have Hollywood stunt brakes fitted to your car? Only I wondered how you were going to stop in six feet at 70mph without them.”

But a perfect example of keeping a 30-year joke alive is evident in the use of an opening question to excessive speedsters … “Who do you think you are; Lewis Hamilton?”

Inspector Mick Dunn explained: “We’re there to uphold the law and ensure the safety of others. Sometimes people forget that. Above all, our traffic officers are good guys trying to do a tough job.”

Members of the Metropolitan traffic Police division will be surrounded by some of the very fastest cars on the planet including the 254mph Koenigsegg CCXR Edition at MPH The Prestige and Performance Motor Show featuring Top Gear Live at London’s Earls Court from 30 October-2 November.

Tickets are available online at mphshow.co.uk/info or by calling the ticket hotline on 0871 230 7150.