Party bus impounded, drunk driver charged

A Blenheim party bus found in a rural ditch has been impounded and its alleged driver charged with drink driving and driving while disqualified.

The Old SkoolBus Charters vehicle ended up in a ditch when the 27-year-old driver, who was disqualified from driving, tried to execute a three-point turn, Senior Sergeant Naera Parata told NZPA.

Blenheim police were called out to Onamalutu Road, west of Blenheim, at 8am on Sunday.

The driver also blew an excess breath alcohol level of 695 micrograms per litre of breath. The legal limit is 400mcg.

"He is denying being the driver but we know he was. Another man, 21, was also arrested on the scene on unrelated charges," Mr Parata said.

The bus has been impounded and the 27-year-old man will appear in the Blenheim District Court on Monday, charged with driving while disqualified and driving with excess breath alcohol.

The owner of the Old SkoolBus Charter company refused to comment on the incident, other than to say "nothing happened".

- NZPA