London drivers wait hours for free gas

LONDON, Sept. 5 (UPI) -- Video game maker Electronic Arts caused massive lines at a London gas station by giving away free fuel to promote its game "Mercenaries 2: World in Flames."

Motorists waited in hourlong lines of as many as 60 cars Friday at the Last Stop garage to get some of the $40,000 in free gas being handed out by EA, the Brand Republic reported Friday.

Buses were rerouted to help ease traffic congestion and some politicians called on EA to apologize to locals for causing traffic chaos in the area.

"Trying to recreate Venezuelan-style fuel riots on the streets of London is completely irresponsible and downright dangerous," said Lynne Featherstone, a Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament. "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," Featherstone said.

EA spokesman David Slade said a steady flow of cars had been going through the gas station since 6 a.m. Friday.

"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," he said.