The Metropolitan Police has been thrown into a fresh scandal and ordered to launch an urgent investigation after a video emerged showing officers conducting a baffling vehicle stop in Central London.
The footage, which has sparked widespread outrage online, captures the moment police officers pull over a Tesla. In a statement that has been labelled as profoundly ignorant, one officer can be heard justifying the stop by incorrectly claiming the silent electric vehicle was a "non-electric vehicle" and therefore subject to specific regulations.
The incident involved controversial media personality Katie Hopkins, who was a passenger in the car and live-streamed the entire encounter to her social media followers.
Public and Official Backlash
The force's handling of the situation has been met with swift and severe criticism. A spokesperson for the Mayor of London's office described the incident as "deeply concerning," while social media users branded the officers' reasoning as "ludicrous" and "embarrassing."
In a formal response to the growing controversy, the Metropolitan Police confirmed a professional standards investigation is now underway. A statement released by the force acknowledged the incident, stating: "We are aware of a video on social media showing part of a stop on a car in Marylebone. Officers stopped the vehicle on Sunday, 19 May due to concerns about the manner of driving and documentation."
A Pattern of Controversy
This event is the latest in a series of embarrassments for the Met, further eroding public trust. Critics were quick to point out the absurdity of police officers not recognising one of the most famous electric car brands on the road, especially in the context of London's expanding Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ).
The incident raises serious questions about training and knowledge within the force, particularly as the UK moves towards its 2035 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel cars.
As the internal investigation proceeds, all eyes will be on Scotland Yard to see what disciplinary action, if any, is taken against the officers involved.
