Alleged drunk driver passed out at wheel

File photo / Northern Advocate

A drunk woman was found passed out in her car in the middle of the road - one of three drink drivers caught in Nelson early this morning.

Police found the 40-year-old Richmond woman passed out in her car after she allegedly drove from the central city and stalled her car about 4am, Sergeant Blair Hall said.

Her arrest followed that of a 50-year-old man who allegedly smashed into another vehicle while driving one-and-a-half times over the drink driving limit.

He was stopped on Nile St about 1am after a member of the public reported the collision.

Police also arrested a 27-year-old man who was allegedly driving two times over the limit on Halifax St about 2.45am.

All three had their licences suspended and would appear in Nelson District Court in the next month.

Police also arrested two Nelson men for disorderly behaviour after a loud drunken argument in Victory Square.

The men, aged 20 and 24, were held in police cells overnight to detox.

Mr Hall said he was concerned alcohol abuse continued to tie up police resources, putting proactive work on hold.

- NZPA