A man was driving a grey Volkswagen down Prince Albert’s Road at just after 10pm when he is believed to have lost control while attempting to navigate the sharp left-hand bend.
The car crashed into a property’s granite wall, and also caused significant damage to the front of a silver Mercedes parked in the property’s driveway. The suspect gave a provisional breath test reading above the alcohol limit at the scene and was arrested.
All three emergency services attended the incident, with the driver treated for minor injuries.
No other individuals were involved in the crash, and the road re-opened at about 10.45pm, with the damaged cars being cleared by a recovery vehicle.
There have been a string of drink-driving cases in the island in recent weeks, with Judge Gary Perry warning last month that prison sentences may soon be necessary to curb the rise in offences.
Police roads policing and neighbourhood policing lead Inspector Tom Marshall said while the police understood the increased temptation to enjoy a drink with friends during the summer months, drink-driving was illegal, reckless and potentially fatal.
‘Drink-driving puts you and anyone else around you in danger, there is no excuse for putting lives at risk,’ he said.
‘Our message is simple – don’t drink and drive.’
While the legal limit remained 35mcg of alcohol per 100ml of breath, Inspector Marshall said the safe limit for an individual who was going to drive was zero.
‘Think before you drink. Have a plan to get home that doesn’t involve your car. Use a designated driver, taxi, bus or walk. But the bottom line remains the same – do not drink and drive.’
He added police were committed to making roads safe for all users, and would continue to ‘come down hard’ on those who thought they could get away with such behaviour.
‘Our patrols will continue across the island,’ he said. ‘If you choose to drink and drive, expect to be caught and face the courts.’
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