A 44-year-old man from Birmingham has been handed a road ban after being caught drink driving on the busy M54 motorway. The incident occurred on Sunday, 12 March, when police stopped the driver on the M54 near Wolverhampton.
The driver, who was not named, was found to be over the legal alcohol limit. He was subsequently charged with drink driving and appeared at Wolverhampton Magistrates' Court on Monday, 13 March.
At court, the man pleaded guilty to the offence. He was disqualified from driving for 17 months and fined £350. He was also ordered to pay £119 in costs and a £35 victim surcharge.
West Midlands Police said the driver was stopped as part of a proactive patrol targeting drink and drug drivers. The force urged motorists to think twice before getting behind the wheel after consuming alcohol or drugs.
"Drink driving ruins lives," a police spokesperson said. "We are committed to keeping our roads safe and will continue to target those who put themselves and others at risk."
The ban will remain in place until the driver completes a drink-drive rehabilitation course, which could reduce the disqualification period by up to 25%. However, the driver must pay for the course and pass it before any reduction is applied.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of drink driving. A conviction can lead to a minimum 12-month driving ban, a fine of up to £5,000, and a criminal record. In serious cases, offenders may face imprisonment.
Police are encouraging anyone with information about drink or drug driving to contact them via 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
