September 2008
Computer game publisher Electronic Arts (EA) has caused chaos at a London petrol station this morning with a £20,000 giveaway of free fuel to promote new game 'Mercenaries 2: World in Flames'.
The Last Stop garage in Finsbury Park, North London has been inundated with motorists hoping to get their £40 worth of free fuel, and are willing to wait up to an hour to fill up their tanks.
The promotion was conceived to mirror the game's scenario, set in Venezuela where fuel is used as a currency, players take the character of a mercenary.
After being advertised on the radio and spread by word of mouth it so far attracted queues of around 50 to 60 cars at any one time. Buses have been re-routed to cause less congestion and extra security has been called in to keep the situation under control.
The area's MP described the situation as "downright dangerous" and called on the company to apologise to residents.
Lynne Featherstone, Liberal Democrat MP for Hornsey and Wood Green, said: "Trying to recreate Venezuelan-style fuel riots on the streets of London is completely irresponsible and downright dangerous.
"While a lucky few might have got some free petrol, hundreds of local residents have faced misery on their daily journeys this morning. "They deserve an apology for being the victims of such an ill-thought out media stunt."
David Slade, a spokesman for EA, said: "We have had a steady flow of cars since 6am this morning. They all seem really interested in why we're giving away the petrol and are hopefully going to go away happy and with our new game in mind."
The giveaway will continue until the £20,000 worth of fuel has all gone.
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