There are just days left if drivers passing through Parkes want to take advantage of this year’s Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme.
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The program will be coming to a close on Wednesday, May 31 and motorists are encouraged to take advantage and get their free cuppa.
The Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme is a partnership between 22 councils, Roads and Maritime Services and more than 90 local participating businesses in Central and South West NSW.
It operates each year from March 1 to May 31.
Drivers who have travelled more than 100 kilometres from the address on their driver’s licence are eligible for a free cuppa at participating businesses.
To find a Free Cuppa town and their participating businesses visit www.freecuppa.com.au, download the Free Cuppa App or pick up a brochure at your Visitor Information Centre.
Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils' Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, said that most towns have a roadside banner on the entry roads advising that they are a Free Cuppa town.
“Participating businesses have a window decal and a tear drop banner or sandwich board with the Free Cuppa logo on it to easily identify them,” she said.
"Drivers of all types of vehicles should take regular breaks and rest when they notice the early signs of fatigue.
“Whether you drive a car, caravan or even a truck every type of long distance driver is welcome to get themselves a free cuppa at participating businesses.”
This year Free Cuppa for the Driver has advertised the type of parking available, if there are toilets or not, and even the style of hot drinks available.
“These simple improvements have made it even easier for drivers to plan their trip and factor in where they will take breaks to prevent driving while tired,” Ms Suitor said.
The scheme has gained support from the famous Professor Brian Cox and TV personality Julia Zemiro.
“All of these successful moments for Free Cuppa help to raise awareness of the scheme and increase the number of long distance drivers who take breaks, which assists in achieving the scheme’s main goal of reducing the number of fatigue related crashes on NSW roads,” Ms Suitor said.
The Free Cuppa team are looking forward to seeing how many free cuppas were given out this year as the number of participating businesses has increased from 68 businesses in 2016 to 92 businesses this year.
Over 2000 free cuppas were handed out last year which was 758 more compared to 2015.
“It’s great to see the scheme expanding and reaching more long distance drivers, to potentially save more lives,” Ms Suitor said.
