Participating NSW businesses offer a free cup of coffee or tea to drivers who have travelled 100 kilometres or more from home, as indicated by the address on their driver’s license.

The scheme aims to help combat driver fatigue - one of the three big killers on NSW roads – by encouraging drivers to stop and take a break.

In Eurobodalla five enthusiastic local businesses will be offering free beverages to weary drivers: The Steampacket Hotel at Nelligen, Fresh A.F Café in Batemans Bay, Red Rose Café in Moruya, Meads ABC Bakery in Narooma and Chews on Hughes in Batemans Bay.

Council’s Road Safety Officer Kate McDougall said the scheme had proven to be an enormous success since its inception in 2010, giving out 11,328 free cuppas in 236 cities, towns and villages.

“The participating communities benefit significantly from the program with improved road safety, while travellers themselves can take advantage of these opportunities to stop and revive,” she said.

“Participating businesses also experience an increase in trade as a direct result of visitors more inclined to make a stop.

“Council is proud to offer its support of the initiative in its ninth year of operation and we would like to thank the five Eurobodalla businesses for being involved.”

Travellers can visit www.freecuppa.com.au to see which businesses are participating around NSW.

For more information on the ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ program contact Council’s Road Safety Officer Kate McDougall on 4474 1353 or email kate.mcdougall@esc.nsw.gov.au

ENDS

Caption: Chews on Hughes in Batemans Bay is one of the participating businesses in the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme this year. Pictured is Julie Ashworth.