Feeling an overwhelming need to make Canberra roads safer, Mr North joined the territory's new designated driver company, WeDrive.

WeDrive is not the first company in the capital that offers to take people home in their own cars after having a drink too many, but its unique in being run through a smartphone application, similar to the ride-sharing app Uber.

The company, which has been operating in Melbourne for seven years and is launching in Canberra this week, works on a co-driver system.

Customers call the service via an app, which matches them with the geographically closest team of drivers.

One driver takes the customers home in their own car and a co-driver drives ahead in another car to take the other driver to their next job.

Customers can use the app to track, call or text the drivers.

While the service is undoubtedly convenient, it costs significantly more than Uber and 1.5 times the rate of a standard taxi.

WeDrive's fares start at $30 for 5KM and amount to $53.50 for 10 kilometres.

But WeDrive founder Yan Flageul said he was not competing with either service.

"We are targeting a different demographic to Uber, which attracts young people who are trying to get a cheap ride home," he said.

"Since trialling of the service began in Melbourne three years ago, the biggest demand for the service has come from business and corporate sector executives. In the majority of instances they are attending business or client events or enjoying drinks after work on a Friday night."

Mr Flageul launched the businesses after losing his best friend to drink driving. He said it has since grown to employ 200 drivers nationally. The 15 Canberra drivers will start work next week.

"We've had about 200 people apply to drive in Canberra, but we'll see how it goes before we expand," he said. "For me, it's not about the numbers. If I can save just one life, I've done enough."

The service works on a similar model to other designated driver services in Canberra.