Northern Territory Police have charged a 39-year-old man after he was arrested for drunk driving in Alice Springs.

Police were conducting patrols along Sturt Terrace when they heard screeching tyres around 1:00am today. Officers later located the vehicle parked at a licensed premises however the driver could not be located.

The vehicle was again sighted in the CBD approximately one hour later. Officers followed the vehicle back to the same licensed premises where the vehicle was apprehended.

Police allege the driver displayed signs of intoxication and refused a breath test before being arrested. The man, who was in Alice Springs to prepare for the Finke Desert Race, was placed on the Banned Drinkers Register and his licence was immediately suspended.

The man will appear in Alice Springs Local Court today for failing to submit to a breath analysis.

Commander Bradley Currie said there will be an increase in police resourcing with a focus on road policing in the southern region in the lead up to the Finke Desert Race.

“We will be focusing on drink and drug driving, speeding, and hooning, amongst other enforcement duties. All motorists can expect to see an additional police presence including roadside breath and drug tests before, during and after the event”

“Police will continue to take a zero tolerance approach to those who fail to comply with the road rules.”

Members of the public are encouraged to report any suspected drunk and drug drivers and hooning offences to police on 131444 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.