Local businesses are invited to register for the next period of the driver fatigue awareness campaign which will operate from March 1 to May 31 2019.
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Since its inception in 2010, the 'Free Cuppa for the Driver' scheme has provided 11,328 free cuppas to weary drivers throughout more than a hundred cities, towns and villages in NSW.
The award-winning ‘Free Cuppa for the Driver’ campaign has been highly successful in encouraging visiting drivers to take a break at participating businesses for a free cup of tea or coffee.
The scheme is now in its ninth year of helping drivers take a break while driving long distances and now involves partnerships between councils and businesses.
Dubbo Regional Council’s road safety officer Jayne Bleechmore said the scheme is a win for everyone involved.
“It’s a win for road safety as drivers take a rest break, a win for local villages, towns and cities as they attract increased visitors and a win for businesses who attract increased customers and business,” Ms Bleechmore said.
“Past years saw participating businesses reporting an almost 30% increase and with almost three-quarters of vehicles participating in the scheme containing two or more passengers it was clear that other purchases were made above their free cuppa.
“The scheme will be operating in at least 25 local government areas across NSW.”
The vast area comprises highways like the Castlereagh, Gwydir, Golden, Great Western, Hume, Kings, Mitchell, Newell, Oxley, Pacific and Prince’s, all of which drivers use for work, holidaying or touring.
"There were 13 participating businesses in Dubbo, Eumungerie, Wellington and Mumbil during phase eight last year and at this early stage we have already received enquiries from local businesses wanting to register. In phase nine we'd love to welcome even more businesses,” Ms Bleechmore said.
The closing date for phase nine registrations is September 16.
Contact Jayne Bleechmore on (02) 6801 4000 or email jayne.bleechmore@dubbo.nsw.gov.au. Alternatively you can register on the website www.freecuppa.com.au.
An interactive map showing rest areas in NSW can be found by searching for ‘rest areas’ on the Roads and Maritime Services website www.rms.nsw.gov.au.
