Driver blows nearly six times over drink-driving limit

Police had received calls from the public complaining about the man's driving, West Coast highway patrol officer Paul O'Hara said. Photo / File

A Granity driver blew almost six times as much as the drink-driving limit when police stopped him on Westport's main street at 6pm yesterday.

The 55-year-old blew 1462mcgs, said West Coast highway patrol officer Paul O'Hara.

He had been drinking cider as he drove from Kumara to Westport - a distance of 125km, Mr O'Hara said.

It was his seventh excess breath alcohol offence, and one of the highest readings in Westport this year.

Police had received calls from the public complaining about the man's driving, Mr O'Hara said.

"He was all over the road."

He was "a wee bit vague" about what time he left Kumara and police didn't know how much alcohol he had consumed, Mr O'Hara said.

"I don't know what speed he was travelling at on the open road, but I don't think he had any major detours or stops."

The man was charged with driving with excess breath alcohol for the third or subsequent time, and had his licence automatically suspended for 28 days. His car was not impounded. He will appear in the Westport District Court next month.