Drunk, reckless and unlicensed drivers have kept NT Police busy with five people charged for drink driving and unlicenced driving in Central Australia and the Barkly Region overnight.

Three drivers received Notices To Appear before the local court at a later date by Tennant Creek Police.

• A 23-year-old man returned a breath analysis reading of  0.070 Br AI on Kathleen Street at 9:15pm.The man had never held a NT drivers licence.

• A 42-year-old woman was charged with one count of Drive with a Medium Range Blood Alcohol level after she returned a breath analysis of 0.080 Br AI at an RBT on Meyers Street at 1:50am.It was also found the woman had never held NT drivers licence.

• A 32-year-old man was charged with one count each of Driving unlicensed and Drive with a Medium Range Blood Alcohol level after he returned a positive breath analysis of 0.148Br AI and driving without a current NT drivers licence.

Tennant Creek Police arrested a 49-year-old man who failed to provide a breath analysis, failed to stop for an RBT, and attempted to flee on foot following a short police pursuit.

He is expected to be charged with a number of offences including Driving in a dangerous manner, Refuse breath analysis, Not stop at stop sign, Drive with no alcohol ignition lock and Drive without a licence.

Alice Springs Police arrested a 35-year-old woman after she returned a breath analysis reading of 0.140Br AI at an RBT on Blain Street at 9:40pm.

Further inquiries indicated the woman was currently disqualified from driving for five years and driving a vehicle with expired registration. The woman was charged with Medium Range Drink Driving, Driving Disqualified, Driving an unregistered/Uninsured motor vehicle. She will appear before the Alice Springs Local Court today.

Sergeant Conan Robertson of the Southern Traffic Operations Unit said the number of drivers apprehended for drink driving and unlicenced driving overnight is concerning.

“Over many years studies have shown that alcohol affects people’s motor skills and decision making leaving them unable to safely control a motor vehicle,” said Sgt Robertson

“To have had this many drink drivers apprehended in our local community is concerning not only because they are on our roads but it is also a reflection on a frightening attitude and carelessness towards safety on our roads.

“We need to work as a community to stop this behaviour, talk to your friends your family to set acceptable standards and remember, mates don’t let mates drink drive.

Having unlicensed drivers on our roads exacerbates the risk. They have not demonstrated a competency to drive and whilst they might be able to move a car from one place to another they often don’t understand the road rules and have greater difficulty making decisions in complex traffic and built up environments.”