Andre Vrona, 43, of Plain Pond, Wiveliscombe, has been disqualified from driving for three years after being found more than four times over the legal alcohol limit while driving his Volkswagen Golf on the A358 near Henlade.
The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 7, around 4:30 pm, when a member of the public reported suspicion of drink-driving linked to Vrona’s vehicle. An Avon and Somerset Police officer was alerted by automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology while patrolling and followed the car until it stopped in the Asda car park on Creechbarrow Road, Taunton.
Vrona, the sole occupant and registered keeper of the vehicle, cooperated with the officer and admitted having “a couple of beers” after work. A roadside breath test showed a reading of 144 micrograms of alcohol per 100 millilitres of breath—approximately four times the legal limit of 35 micrograms. A subsequent drugs test was negative.
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He was arrested and taken to Express Park Police Centre in Bridgwater. Despite expressing concern over losing his driving license and vehicle access for work, his sentence at Taunton Magistrates' Court on August 28 included a 36-month driving disqualification starting from July 21. This period could be shortened if he satisfactorily completes a driving course. Additionally, Vrona must complete 100 hours of unpaid work within 12 months, pay £85 in costs, and a £114 surcharge.
Inspector Matt Boiles of the roads policing unit emphasized the importance of public reports in tackling drink-driving. “An initial breath test was surprisingly high considering Vrona’s appearance, so a second test confirmed the reading, leading to his custody,” he said.
Boiles highlighted that drink-driving remains a major cause of road fatalities, responsible for 17% of deaths on UK roads. He warned that drug driving poses similarly severe dangers, as both impair reaction times, coordination, and judgment, greatly increasing collision risks.
“Many wrongly assume having a drink after work is harmless,” Boiles added, “but disqualification can severely affect careers and livelihoods. Those who drink or take drugs before driving are significantly more likely to be involved in fatal accidents.”
Since early 2023, more than 120 people have lost their lives on roads in the Avon and Somerset region, underscoring the critical need for vigilance and public awareness.