Alice Springs Police have arrested a 38-year-old woman for reckless driving near a retirement village.

Sergeant Conan Robertson said on 22 November the alleged had been driving a Ford Falcon along the Stuart Highway when she swerved off the left hand side of the road and continued driving at speed along the footpath near the Old Timers Retirement Village perimeter fence.

“The woman was arrested and recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.177%.

"Ultimately with so many pedestrian deaths on our roads and five passengers in the car at the time, it seems ludicrous that this drunk woman who has never held a licence thought it was a good idea to drive along the footpath."

"It was a very dangerous situation and I am relieved that no one suffered for her stupidity," Sergeant Robertson said.

She has been charged with driving with high range blood alcohol content, driving unlicensed and driving on a foot path and has been bailed to appear in court on 10 January 2013.