Taxi Driver Arrested After Drunken Crash at Petrol Station

A taxi driver in Hayle, Cornwall, has been charged after being caught on video in a severely intoxicated state at a petrol station. The incident occurred at around 2 a.m. when the driver, Kristina Burton, 51, crashed her vehicle into forecourt bollards before attempting to purchase tobacco. A former police officer witnessed the event and described her condition as “absolutely awful.”

The issue of taxi drivers being caught for drink driving has been a growing concern, with similar cases reported across the UK. Recently, another taxi driver was arrested for drink driving after failing a breath test, highlighting the risks associated with impaired driving in the industry.

The video, obtained by CornwallLive, shows Burton struggling to stand, swaying, and slurring her words while holding onto the service hatch for support. In the footage, she identified herself as a taxi driver while appearing visibly impaired.

A witness recalled her inability to remain upright or communicate clearly.

Former police officer described:

"She was unable to speak without slurring and could barely hold herself upright."

Despite police instructions, Burton was unable to provide a proper breath sample, attempting to “suck like a straw” instead of blowing into the device.

Another witness expressed concern over her insistence that she could still drive.

The witness stated:

"Shockingly, when I took her to one side and removed her keys from her and told her I wouldn’t let her drive as she might kill someone, she said she was a taxi driver and that meant she could do it regardless."

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed her arrest on March 19. She has been charged with failure to provide a specimen for analysis and is scheduled to appear at Truro Magistrates’ Court on April 3.