Condoms plan for taxi passengers

Cabbies are to give out condoms to late-night passengers

Taxi drivers in Edinburgh could soon be handing out free condoms to couples on their way home after a night out.

The manufacturer behind the plan hopes to have the scheme operating by January and talks have been taking place about a similar scheme in Glasgow.

Council officials have yet to give their approval.

The scheme has been welcomed by the Family Planning Association (FPA) in Scotland but the Catholic Church has voiced condemnation.

Praising the Safe Ride scheme, FPA spokesman Tim Streets, said: "I don't really have a problem with people finding it a but funny, at least at first.

"Let's get the giggles out of the way.

People don't think as much as they should about the issues of safer sex, so any extra help has to be a great thing Tim Streets Family Planning Association

"We're talking about protecting people's health and getting them to see that, even after a night out on the town and maybe being inebriated, this is a serious issue.

"People don't think as much as they should about the issues of safer sex, so any extra help has to be a great thing."

Edinburgh City Council's licensing committee has been considering the initiative involving Festival City Cars.

Company manager David Coutts, said: "It seems sensible that the cabbies, if they're asked by the passenger, would make such facilities available."

'Encourage promiscuity'

"I appreciate that some people might look upon this as being a bit humorous but it is a serious campaign.

A US company has provided the taxi firm - which has a fleet of 220 cars - with 5,000 free contraceptives.

However, the campaign was condemned by the Catholic Church in Scotland- which said it would encourage promiscuity.

Spokesman Peter Kearney said: "This will give the green light to casual sex.

"It's also very dangerous to suggest condoms absolutely prevent sexually transmitted infections as they don't."

A similar scheme launched earlier in the year in Brighton, East Sussex, was supported by boxer Chris Eubank.