Alice Springs Police tested 2597 drivers in a three-day drink driving operation across the town.
Random Breath Testing Stations were set up on the Stuart Highway, Larapinta Drive and the South Stuart Highway on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.
Acting Superintendent David Chalker said Police tested a significantly large amount of drivers over the operation, resulting in seven drink drivers being apprehended.
“It is disappointing that drivers still get behind the wheel, seven drink drivers is still on too many. What is also of concern is the very high levels recorded by those who were caught, they are a tragedy waiting to happen.
“Five of those caught on the South Stuart Highway on Saturday happened in a two hour period, the worst being an unlicensed female that returned a positive reading of .217%. A 46-year old-male was caught driving while disqualified and returned a reading of .209%. A 48-year-old male learner driver, who should have returned a reading of 0.00%, shocked us with his reading of .141%. A 32-year-old male blew .140% and a 49-year-old male returned a positive reading of 0.056%
“Just before the commencement of an RBT on Saturday, another drink driver was apprehended by members involved in the operation on Undoolya Road. The 32-year-old male driver blew .119% and was also driving unlicensed.
“What is pleasing is that none of the drink drivers on Saturday are believed to be associated with Young Guns Day and it was good to see large numbers of patrons in taxis, buses or with "sober bobs".
“On Thursday two men aged 24 and 28 were caught drink driving in the same vehicle within the hour near Herbert Heritage Drive. The men eventually pulled over in Charles Creek and tried to run from Police but they were caught a short time later.
“The 24-year-old man had a blood alcohol content of .147% and the 28-year-old man returned a reading of .102%. It was not surprising when it was discovered that both men were driving while disqualified.
“It’s clear that these drink drivers have no regard for the law at all and put themselves and the lives of other road users in danger.
“Police will continue their RBT campaigns throughout the next few months and leading into the holiday season,” said Act Supt Chalker.
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