Taxi marshals to help Peterborough festive revellers get home safely
Marshals aim to prevent anti-social behaviour and ensure safe access to taxis
A taxi marshal scheme will be introduced in Peterborough city centre to help festive revellers get home safely this December.
The service, provided by Peterborough City Council and the Safer Peterborough Partnership, will be available on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the month, as well as Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.
Two Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered marshals will operate at the city’s taxi ranks to ensure passengers can access taxis quickly, prevent alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour, and stop private hire vehicles from illegal touting.
Equipped with radios linked to CCTV and the police, marshals will also receive training to identify signs of predatory behaviour.
Cllr Zameer Ali, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Public Health, expressed the council’s commitment to public safety during the festive period.
“We are fully committed to ensuring that the public can have an enjoyable, safe night out in Peterborough and this scheme will help to make sure that people visiting the city centre in the evenings get home safely," Cllr Ali said.
He added, “The lead up to Christmas is generally a busy time when there are more people out enjoying themselves and then looking for a way home. With the support of the marshals, we are able to provide a strong visual presence and ensure the safe dispersal of people whilst keeping an eye out for any concerns regarding vulnerability and welfare.”
In addition to the marshals, a Health Outreach Bus will be stationed on Long Causeway on Friday and Saturday nights in December, offering help and support to those enjoying the festivities.
The service is being jointly provided by Peterborough Positive and the Peterborough Light Project.