Vincent Lime, 36, from Corringham, Essex, has been disqualified from driving for 30 months after being caught driving over four times the legal alcohol limit on the M4.
On December 6 last year, around 3 pm, multiple concerned drivers reported a Ford Fiesta swerving dangerously on the eastbound M4 near junction 15. Police officers stationed near Membury Services between Swindon and Reading soon spotted the vehicle. They witnessed Lime dangerously changing lanes and nearly colliding with several cars as he varied his speed erratically.
When stopped, Lime was visibly intoxicated and failed a roadside breath test, registering 148 mg of alcohol, over four times the legal limit. In custody, his reading was 143 mg. It was also revealed that Lime was driving on a provisional licence, resulting in the seizure of the vehicle.
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Pc Davis from the Roads Policing Unit commented: “Lime’s reckless driving prompted three emergency calls from the public concerned for their safety. His erratic swerving and near misses could have caused a serious accident on a busy Saturday afternoon. Remarkably, despite his severe intoxication, he was stopped before tragedy struck.”
Lime’s breath test was particularly difficult, taking eight attempts before a reading was obtained, highlighting his extreme level of intoxication.
The arrest was part of Operation Limit, a month-long police campaign targeting drink and drug drivers to prevent serious harm on the roads. Pc Davis emphasized, “Drink or drug driving is completely unacceptable in Wiltshire. It is crucial that anyone planning to consume alcohol arranges a safe way home and never drives if they suspect they are over the limit—no journey is worth the risk.”
Along with his 30-month disqualification, Lime was ordered to pay £85 in Crown Prosecution Service costs, a £114 surcharge, and complete 250 hours of unpaid work.