A 45-year-old man has been arrested after allegedly driving while more than six times the legal alcohol limit, placing his passenger and the wider community at serious risk.

Just before midnight last night, police were conducting traffic diversions following a crash at the intersection of Tiger Brennan Drive and Woolner Road when a white Holden Captiva drove over traffic cones that had been set up to direct motorists before coming to a stop.

Officers at the scene stopped the vehicle and subjected the driver to a roadside breath test which returned a high reading for alcohol.

The 45-year-old driver was arrested and taken to Palmerston Watch House where a breath analysis was conducted returning a reading of 0.306% blood alcohol concentration. His female passenger, who was heavily intoxicated, was taken into protective custody.

Senior Sergeant Dev Kanyilmaz from Road Policing division condemned the driver’s actions.

“The driver showed a complete disregard for his own safety, the safety of his passenger, and every other road user.

“Choosing to get behind the wheel while allegedly more than six times the legal limit is an incredibly dangerous decision that could have ended in tragedy.

“If you choose to drink and drive, expect to be caught. The consequences could be losing your licence, facing court, causing serious injury, or taking a life.

“Our message is simple: if you’re drinking, don’t drive.”