Businesses urged to give ‘Free cuppa for the driver’

Local businesses that supply coffee are being urged to help combat driver fatigue and participate in the ‘Free cuppa for the driver’ program.

Eurobodalla Council has signed on to support the program, which encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating businesses for a free tea or coffee to take a break from driving long distances.

Council’s Road Safety Officer Kate McDougall said the scheme had been running for nine years and had shown to be a win for everyone involved.

“It’s a win for road safety as drivers take a rest break, a win for our local villages and towns as they attract increased visitors, and a win for businesses who attract increased customers and business,” she said.

"Participating businesses have noted that almost three-quarters of vehicles participating in the scheme contained two or more passengers, commonly resulting in purchases other than their free cuppa.

"We’d love to see local businesses sign on to the program to encourage more drivers to take the time to arrive alive.”

Since its inception in 2010, the scheme has given 11,328 free cuppas to weary drivers throughout 236 cities, towns and villages in NSW.

To be eligible for their free cup of coffee or tea, drivers need to live more than 100km from the participating business. One cup of coffee or tea is provided per vehicle, per day, per town.

Interested businesspeople should contact Council’s Road Safety Officer Kate McDougall on 4474 1353 or email [email protected].

Anyone heading interstate can check out participating businesses along their route through the Free Cuppa website.