Source : Perth Now news
Melbourne drivers caused chaos on Friday morning after queuing in massive numbers for a free fuel promotion in the city’s west, with police eventually stepping in to shut down the giveaway.
The $100,000 fuel giveaway, run by Billy Beasley of rewards club RS Rewards, took place at the Liberty petrol station on Leakes Rd in Truganina.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Free fuel giveaway causes traffic chaos in Truganina
There was a $200 limit per customer and no jerry cans were allowed.
While the giveaway was to begin at 10am, Beasley posted a video on Instagram showing a huge line of cars at the station about 8am.
“We’ve got cars everywhere. I’ve just spoken with someone, he’s been here since 4am this morning,” he said.
“This is crazy, I didn’t expect this many people.”
A couple of hours later in another video update, Beasley said police had arrived to help them control the influx of cars.
“There’s a lot of people here. I would almost say there’s 1000-odd cars parked up around the block. You can see there’s a huge line that goes all the way around,” he said.
“This is crazy, the police arrived, they’re helping us out and I think we’ve got everything under control.”
However just about an hour after the giveaway was officially slated to begin, Beasley announced it had been shut down.
In an effort to give back to the people who had queued for so long, he and his team gave out free fuel vouchers to those who missed out.
Beasley said it was a shame the event had to be cancelled so early but he had managed to give away “a lot of fuel”.
“Free fuel Friday, hopefully we can do another one,” he said.
Victoria Police said they arrived at the petrol station about 7.30am to assist with traffic directions.
“Leakes Rd became congested following a promotion at a service station where it’s understood free fuel was being handed out,” a police spokesperson said.
“Police established several hazards due to the increased traffic and engaged event organisers.
“Organisers worked with police and established an alternative way to run the promotion, which is understood to be in the form of vouchers that can be used later.”
Four police units remained at the petrol station following the cancellation of the event due to the increased traffic in the area.
RS Rewards has been contacted by 7NEWS.com.au for further comment.
