British drink-driver on wrong side of the road jailed by Dubai court

Traffic police chief reminds public of UAE's zero-tolerance approach to driving under the influence of alcohol

The UAE has a zero-tolerance policy to driving under the influence of alcohol. Getty

A drink-driver who travelled on the wrong side of the road, crashed into an electric gate and ran a red light has been sentenced to one month in prison by a Dubai court.

Prosecutors said the British citizen, 42, consumed a significant amount of alcohol before getting behind the wheel.

Police in Bur Dubai saw the man driving recklessly and causing damage to property.

Dubai Traffic Court sentenced him to one month in prison and suspended his driving licence for six months.

Prosecutors said the man was driving his car against the flow of traffic while under the influence of alcohol, failed to stop at a red light and hit an electric gate.

He was arrested and ordered to take a breathalyser test, which returned an “extremely high” reading of alcohol in his blood, prosecutors said. The date and time of the incident were not disclosed.

He admitted the charges during questioning.

The UAE has a zero-tolerance approach to drinking and driving. This means there is no legal limit for alcohol use when in charge of a vehicle.

“The 42-year-old motorist was convicted of several traffic offences including drink-driving,” said Salah Bu Faroosha Al Falasi, senior advocate general and head of traffic prosecution in Dubai.

The traffic chief urged all drivers to exercise extreme caution when on the road and to adhere to all traffic rules.

“Dubai authorities maintain zero tolerance against drunk-driving,” he said.

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