Owners of modified vehicles have also complained that they have been penalised for things such as lowered suspensions and loud exhausts. Lourens says there are specific circumstances under which penalties are issued.

"There is no official measurement in centimetres [of the gap between tyre and arch]; however, if the steering is turned at full lock and the wheel knocks up against the body, then it is of the opinion of the officer that it's too low.

"Some motorists actually cut the springs in order to make it lower thereby interfering with the normal mechanisms. Sometimes one can't even get a finger between the body and the wheel."

Lourens also spelled out the regulations on exhausts.

"There are regulations for 'exhausts' which also need to be complied with. When the baffle plates are removed from the exhaust ? which then causes it to be loud ? it is deemed illegal."

And don't think of messing with these officers either, as they are empowered to remove car licence discs on the spot but "only when a vehicle is suspended from use on a public road".

In the short-term, the efforts of the 'Ghost Squad' will make only a minor dent in the problems on Cape Town's dangerous roads. But as the squad ? and the buzz surrounding it ? grows, so will its effectiveness.

Furthermore, if the team continues to be effective over time, a strong deterrent factor will come into play.

And if you think you can spot a Ghost Squad vehicle a mile away JP Smith, mayoral committee member for Safety and Security, has a message for just for you.

"We're busy talking to some motor companies about getting some really sexy vehicles on the road."

What do you make of the Ghost Squad? Vote in our poll or comment below!