The scheme, which will operate from March 1 to May 31, encourages visiting drivers to stop at participating organisations for a free cup of tea or coffee so as to take a break from driving long distances.

Now in its 10th year, the award-winning initiative forms partnerships between participating councils and local businesses.

The councils offer the marketing and resources while the cafes provide the free tea and/or coffee.

Upper Hunter Shire Council's road safety officer Alison Balding says the scheme is a win for everyone involved.

It's a triumph for road safety as drivers take a rest break, a success for local villages, towns and cities as they attract increased visitors and a victory for businesses who attract increased customers.

"Over two thirds of vehicles that participated in the scheme this year contained two or more passengers, so it is likely that participants could bring extra business when obtaining their free cuppa," Ms Balding said.

"It will be operating in more than 20 local government areas (LGAs) across the Hunter region, western, southern and south-west NSW stretching from the Victorian to the Queensland border and across to the coast at Port Stephens.

"The vast area comprises highways like the Castlereagh, Gwydir, Golden, Great Western, Hume, Kings, Mitchell, Newell, Oxley, Pacific, New England and Princes, all of which drivers use for work, holidaying, touring or accessing medical services."

Since its inception in 2010, the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme has given away in excess of 20,000 free cuppas throughout NSW.

Last year, it ran in 50 towns or cities and involved 101 businesses that participated.

"There were six participating businesses in the Upper Hunter and Muswellbrook shires during phase nine in 2019," Ms Balding said.

"And, we are hoping to extend our participation to outlying towns along the New England and Golden Highway."

The closing date for phase 10 registrations is September 22.

If your business would like to participate in the Free Cuppa for the Driver scheme then contact Alison Balding on 6540 1100 or email abalding@upperhunter.nsw.gov.au

Alternatively you can register on the website www.freecuppa.com.au