Driver stopped doing 25mph on a 70mph dual carriageway blew three times over the limit

Stunned traffic cops admitted they could hardly fail to spot a suspected drink-driver doing 25mph on a 70mph dual carriageway in Northampton.

Officers who stopped the woman revealed she later blew THREE TIMES over the legal limit.

PC Scott Kimberley tweeted: "The vehicle swerved so much I am surprised it stayed on the road and the driver almost fell out the car when I stopped her.

"She blew 120 when in custody. She was lucky not to kill someone."

The legal limit is 35 micrograms per 100 millilitres of breath.

Northamptonshire Police launched its annual Christmas drink-drive campaign earlier this month with a stark warning to those tempted to get behind the wheel under the influence of drink or drugs.

This crackdown will target those driving 'the morning after' who could still be over the limit.

Studies by road safety charity Brake shows someone only just over the legal limit are still six times more likely to be involved in a fatal collision than someone who has drunk nothing.

Chair of the county's Safer Roads Alliance, Superintendent Tom Thompson said: “This year has been incredibly difficult for everyone, and we all want to enjoy the festive season with loved ones – possibly even more this year than in others.

“With the restrictions around the opening of the night-time economy still in place, more of us will be celebrating the festivities within the home environment, where there could be the temptation to drink more than usual.

“It is certainly not our intention to stop anyone from celebrating during the festive period. But it remains a reality that drink or drug driving can, and does, kill and there is absolutely no excuse or circumstances that could ever justify it.”

Officers conducted more than 2,500 breath tests during December 2019 — 66 per cent up on the previous year — with 67 charged with drink driving.

Drivers risk up to six months’ in prison, unlimited fines and substantial driving bans if convicted.

To report suspected drink or drug driving in confidence, call the Drivewatch Hotline on 0800 174615 or dial 101. In an emergency, call 999.