The dramatic crash took place on Frome Road in Trowbridge, and completely flattened the traffic lights on the pavement.
Officers who attended the scene say it was “sheer luck” that no one was seriously injured.
When police arrived at the scene on March 31, 2026, officers found cars smashed, debris scattered across the road, and a 73-year-old man drunk behind the wheel.
Dash cameras and police body worn cameras have recorded the whole thing.
Footage shows a black car driving on the wrong side of the road before veering onto the pavement at speed and colliding with oncoming traffic. Traffic lights on the street are then immediately torn to pieces upon impact.
The vehicle comes to a stop just before a roundabout.
Although no significant injuries were sustained, residents on the street were visibly shaken.
The scene of a dramatic crash in Trowbridge🚨
A pensioner who mounted the curb and mowed down traffic lights and multiple cars has now pleaded guilty to drink driving.
You can read the full story in @wiltshiretimes pic.twitter.com/bPJbzxAWxs— Sarah Dalton (@sarahjanesname) May 13, 2026
73-year-old Garrick Jones, of Holburne Park in Bathwick, was found behind the wheel of the car and told officers his last alcoholic drink was “two hours ago”.
The pensioner failed a roadside breath test and was arrested at the scene, although he remained visibly calm.
Jones pleaded guilty to drink driving on April 1, 2026, and following another court hearing on May 11, 2026, he has now been banned from the roads.
Jones was handed a 27-month ban and ordered to carry out 80 hours of unpaid work.
PC Craig Beales, from Wiltshire Police‘s Roads Policing Unit, said: “This incident shows just how dangerous and reckless drink driving is.
“It was only through sheer luck that no one was seriously injured when Jones’ vehicle mounted the pavement and struck multiple cars and traffic lights.
“Jones was found to be well over the limit following the collision and in not fit state to be behind the wheel of a car.
“We will continue to take robust action against anyone who chooses to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, and we urge the public to report concerns if they suspect someone is driving under the influence.”
As part of his sentence Garrick must also attend 20 rehabilitation days, pay a £114 surcharge and £85 costs to the Crown Prosecution Service.
