Tesla's UK arm has been convicted at least 15 times in the past three months for speeding violations, accumulating fines and costs totaling more than £18,000. The registered keeper of the vehicles, Tesla Financial Services, has repeatedly failed to cooperate with UK police in identifying the drivers of its electric cars. Court papers reveal instances where Tesla drivers were caught speeding but escaped punishment because the company failed to identify the drivers to the police. The company has been sent letters by the police to identify the drivers, but when the letters went unanswered, criminal prosecutions were brought against Tesla itself. As a result, Tesla has been hit with fines, costs, and fees totaling £18,026 as a result of 15 convictions in UK courts. The drivers suspected of speeding in rented or company cars have to be named before they can face prosecution, and companies that fail to return the paperwork to the police often find themselves being prosecuted instead. [5982d3fd]
In a separate incident, Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Liberal Democrats, has also been convicted of speeding on the M1. He was caught driving at 73mph in a temporary 60mph speed limit zone. Davey admitted to being the guilty driver and paid a fine, but failed to provide his driving license details to the police, resulting in a full criminal prosecution. He apologized for the oversight and explained that he was busy and failed to read the form fully. Davey was fined £72 and had three points added to his license. The conviction came during a week in which Davey was photographed in headline-grabbing moments, including falling off a paddleboard and freewheeling downhill on a bike. The Liberal Democrats stated that Davey inadvertently broke the speed limit and has accepted the consequences. [cbd60e48]