With the possibility of independence dominating the media north of the border, a cab promoting the ‘Yes campaign’ has hit the streets of Aberdeen.
The owner is self employed hackney cab driver and former Labour party member, Gordon Anderson. His ‘Yes’ cab – the first of its kind to appear in Scotland – is bedecked with campaign logos and the referendum date, in a bid to promote independence to his customers.
Explaining his reasoning, Gordon says: “Everyone knows that taxi drivers like to talk and, if the passengers are up for it, I’ll do all I can to explain why a Yes vote is best for Scotland.”
Like minded Edinburgh taxi driver, Dougie Brown, agrees. He told a Scotsman reporter: “The Yes campaign has been saying that the more people learn about independence, the more likely they are to vote ‘Yes’. Who better to take forward the positive independence message than taxi drivers?”
Controversy
However, not everyone agrees that taxi drivers should be engaging customers in political debate. Tory chief whip, John Lamont, said: “This is one way to drive people out of taxis and back on to public transport.
“Most passengers enjoy a bit of badinage with their taxi driver. But many will object to the conversation switching from ‘busy tonight mate’ to ‘do you believe Scotland should be an independent country?’”
Stephen Flynn, vice chair of Glasgow Taxis, also feels that the trade shouldn’t be involved in lobbying customers. He commented: “We believe the referendum debate is very much for individuals to participate in themselves.
“The referendum will be decided at the ballot box by individuals. It’s not our place as a friendly society to determine or even aim to influence the political position of members or drivers either way.”
With just seven months to run to the big vote, will we see more taxi drivers using their cabs to promote their side of the argument? And is that a sensible means to an end or a sure-fire way to alienate customers? Tell us what you think.