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TRANSPARENT BAGS - THE ANSWER TO LONDON TRAVEL SECURITY CONCERNS
Added: (Mon Aug 22 2005)
On Monday 22/08/05, the Assist Safety Project* launched Freedom Bags. The range of totally clear, see-through backpacks, sports and messenger bags are designed to give confidence to travellers on public transport. It is anticipated that the bags will be seen as a stand against the London bombings, making passengers feel more at ease on tubes, buses and in public places. Priced from just £19.99 Freedom Bags can be ordered from www.freedom-bags.com.
“Three million people usually use the Underground on a daily basis. Tube passenger numbers have dropped by 30% at weekends and between 5 and 15% on weekdays since the 7th July bombings. We want to give the public back the confidence needed to travel on the Underground again. If we all carry a bag that poses no threat whilst travelling on public transport, visiting a football or rugby match or just in a department store we are giving the message that we are prepared to let others know that we’re not a threat. Sometimes the perception of danger can be more frightening than the danger itself”
Bob Fitzjohn, Director Assist Safety Project
Following the atrocities on London transport in July, public confidence has been affected. There has been a noticeable increase in distrust towards people carrying backpacks and bags on public transport, particularly if that person is of Middle Eastern or Asian appearance. There is talk that some of the police stop and search procedures, whilst essential, are beginning to alienate certain sections of the population, possibly pushing individuals towards radicalism. The fear is that this is part of Al Quaeda’s plan to destabilise the West by provoking fear and marginalising the Muslim population.
The range of see-through bags will enable the Police and Security staff to quickly verify the contents thereby reducing the need of Stop and Search. As Prime Minister Tony Blair said of the Islam extremists:
“They are trying to use the slaughter of innocent people to cow us, to frighten us out of doing the things that we want to do … they must not succeed”
Before July 7th any furtive glances from behind the daily paper were usually aimed at anyone getting off at the next stop, in the vain hope of grabbing a seat. Now the inquisitive glance has a different purpose: has a bomber just got into my carriage?
It is anticipated that there will be demand for bags not only from Londoners but also from individuals throughout the UK. Every day on every commuter train and bus in all parts of the country there is somebody checking out his or her fellow passengers with the burning question: is the man standing over there, perspiring, with the big, black bag about to blow us up? How many people have the courage to challenge someone to open their bag without the fear of revealing themselves to be a racist paranoiac. Or do you move to another carriage? What about the bag left on the floor? Who will have the courage to ask fellow passengers to whom it belongs?
Some institutions faced with problems of theft have already adopted the see-through bag solution, with considerable success. The British Library and the National Archives provide readers, regardless of race, creed or perspiration levels, with clear plastic bags so that the contents of their bags can easily be seen. No other bags are allowed.
Freedom Bags are priced from just £19.99. The bags are manufactured in 5 mil clear vinyl with an ergonomically designed three-point support system that has curved padded shoulder straps. The bags are perfect for people on the go, they have mesh pockets, fabric lined seams and fully opening zippered sides and holders for quick access to contents. The finest materials have been used and there is a three year guarantee.
Director Assist Safety Project Bob Fitzjohn available for interview
Visuals of bags available, samples available on request
For further information: Max PR, 020 8939 9029/ mail@maxpr.biz
www.freedom-bags.com
*The Assist Safety Project was founded in 2003. It is a not-for-profit organisation that provides practical assistance to children and adults who might be at risk. The Assist Safety Project also run The Safer Computers Campaign, working with Asda stores helping parents to understand the threats and dangers posed by computers. A series of Roadshows are visiting shopping centres around the UK this summer to help pass on the safety message.