'I was running 17 minutes late': Mum charged with drink driving

A woman allegedly caught more than four times over the legal drink-driving limit with four children in the car says she chose to drive because she was running late.

Lisa Johnston was allegedly stopped by officers in Cranebrook in Sydney's west on Wednesday, after concerned neighbours allegedly saw the 33-year-old struggle to reverse out of a simple driveway and called police.

“I feel really bad about yesterday,” Ms Johnston told 7 News.

“I’m talking to my cousin about it right now.”

It’s alleged Ms Johnston was on her way to pick up a group of children at 3.45pm when she was breath tested and subsequently arrested.

“I was already 17 minutes late,” the 33-year-old explained to 7 News.

Four children aged under 10 were allegedly found in Ms Johnston’s car, with police later attending the 33-year-old’s home where a two-year-old and a four-year-old were at home alone.

Police will allege the Ms Johnston returned a reading of 0.212 at the Penrith Police Station, more than four times above the limit.

Residents have told 7 News police have been to Ms Johnstone home previously, and say enough is enough.

“She did look distressed, she did look angry, (but) not distressed as in remorseful, distressed as in annoyed she got caught,” one concerned neighbour said.

Ms Johnstone has been charged with high-range drink driving and was granted conditional bail before she is scheduled to appear in court on March 28.

The Department of Family and Community Services has been notified of the incident, police said.