London Taxis Get Passengers to Record Political Rants
In-cab 'Sound-Off Booths' linked to the internet as part of campaign for popular justice
Monday, 16th May 2011
London taxis are to become vehicles for popular dissent, kitted out with special sound recording facilities so that passengers can have a good old rant against government policy.
Usually, at least according to folklore, it's the cabbies that do the sounding off, but now those in the back seat can drive the conversation and have it put up on the internet, via mobile "sound-off booths" before they arrive at their destination.
The cab-rant scheme is the brainchild of campaigners against government plans to cut access to legal aid, which is set to leave tens of thousands of Londoners unrepresented by lawyers.
"The Ministry of Justice estimate that if they make these cuts, 70,000 Londoners alone will be excluded," said Linda Lee, Law Society President.
"The taxis are a great way of allowing members of the public to join our campaign and to express their views on the planned cuts."
At first only three London cabs will have the Sound Off For Justice equipment – an iPad, an iPhone and an internet connection – but if it proves popular, we can expect similar schemes to follow.
The nearest Sound Off For Justice taxi can be found on the campaign's Twitter page here.
The Sound Off for Justice campaign is backed by a host of celebs including Jenny Eclair, Harriet Harman MP, Bianca Jagger, Jemima Khan, Joanna Lumley, Michael Mansfield QC and Alistair McGowan.
"Legal Aid gives ordinary people access to legal protection. This access is in danger of being jeopardised," said Jagger.
Source; http://www.londonnet.co.uk/news/2011/ma ... rants.html
ALSO
London cabbies 'sound off' about Legal Aid cuts
Three black taxis have been transformed into mobile "sound-off" booths equipped with iPads and iPhones so that Londoners can voice their opinions about the Government’s plans to cut Legal Aid.
7:00AM BST 16 May 2011
The location of the nearest Sound Off For Justice taxi can be found on Twitter
Kenneth Clarke, the Justice Secretary, has proposed civil legal aid should only be routinely available to those who face losing their life, liberty or home under the biggest shake-up of the system in its 50-year history.
Created by Sound Off For Justice to help raise awareness, propose alternative reforms and give Londoners a chance to have their say, the taxis will tour the capital for five days from Monday.
Each cab will be equipped with both an internet capable Apple 3G iPad and iPhone 4, so supporters can sign the campaign’s online petition or join its voicemail protest.
These voice messages will then be sent to Mr Clarke, asking him to rethink cuts that could leave millions of Britons without access to justice and a voice in court.
The public can track the location of the nearest Sound Off For Justice taxi by following the @soundoffjustice profile on Twitter.
Bianca Jagger, the campaigner and former actress, said: "What is the purpose of having rights if you can’t enforce the law? Legal Aid gives ordinary people access to legal protection, this access is in danger of being jeopardised.
"Rights to work, the right not to be exploited, rights to housing, the right not to be discriminated against, and the right to speak out in the face of medical negligence has all been possible through the use of Legal Aid. I support Sound Off For Justice to protect these rights and maintain access to justice.”
The Sound Off For Justice campaign has also attracted support from public figures and MPs including Jemima Khan, Joanna Lumley, deputy Labour leader Harriet Harman MP, The Gurkhas, Alistair McGowan, Jenny Éclair and Michael Mansfield QC.
Commenting on the launch of the Sound Off For Justice taxis, The Law Society’s President, Linda Lee, said: “The government’s plans to remove Legal Aid will leave people from all walks of life without access to justice.
"The Ministry of Justice estimate that if they make these cuts 70,000 Londoners alone will be excluded. The taxis are a great way of allowing members of the public to join our campaign and to express their views on the planned cuts. Many people have told me of the difference that legal aid made to their lives and I hope they will share their experiences.”
Source; http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/ ... -cuts.html
