POLICE have noticed an "unprecedented rise" in the number of people being nabbed for drink driving since COVID restrictions relaxed.
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A Tamworth man driving on the rim of a blown tyre is one of the latest to encounter the flashing red and blue lights.
He was stopped just before midnight on Calala Lane in Tamworth after passersby reported a gold Ford Laser being driven on the rim of the blown tyre.
The 22-year-old man behind the wheel failed a roadside breath test.
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Police will allege he later recorded a blood alcohol reading of 0.215 - more than four times the legal limit.
He's been charged with high-range drink driving and had his licence suspended on the spot. He'll front court in Tamworth in August.
Police said it's one of many since COVID restrictions were relaxed - despite no changes to the laws.
"Of late there seems to be an unprecedented spike in the amount of drivers that have been caught by police with a high-range drink driving level of alcohol in their system," Acting Inspector Kelly Wixx said.
"Police will always be out and about, and police will always be out on the road doing RBT."
Acting Inspector Wixx implored with locals not to get behind the wheel after a few drinks, no matter how short or long the drive home is.
"At no point is it safe to be behind the wheel when you've had alcohol in your system," she said.
"Please don't get behind the wheel after you've had a drink.
"Put yourself, put your family, put your friends first; and don't be so selfish."