New taxi rank launched on Ipswich Waterfront in bid to boost safety
It will operate between 8pm and 4am daily until March next year
A new taxi rank is being launched on Ipswich Waterfront tonight as part of a trial to boost safety.
It will operate between 8pm and 4am daily until March 2023, with dedicated taxi marshals on duty over the Christmas and New Years period to help people get home safe.
The trial has been enabled by Safer Streets funding from the government and is just the latest in a string of measures to keep revellers safe on nights out in the town.
Other measures include the Ask For Angela scheme at clubs and bars, as well as free personal safety alarms and the Barwatch scheme.
Councillor Alasdair Ross, who's reponsible for Community Safety at Ipswich Borough Council, said:
“Safer Streets funding has allowed us to introduce this taxi rank trial at Ipswich Waterfront and work with businesses to ensure that Ipswich residents and visitors feel safe in our town."
"We have introduced many improvements to make Ipswich safer working with partners and must thanks to the University of Suffolk for allowing this trial to take place on land under their ownership.
"We look forward to hearing feedback from taxi marshals and residents once the trial concludes in March 2023.”
Chris Barnard, Head of Place at Ipswich Central, adds:
"It’s great working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council to raise awareness and mobilise the Safer Streets funding from Government."
"We are already receiving positive feedback, and this is just the start of what can be achieved.
"It is important that people feel safe on a night out in Ipswich, and, are aware of all the initiatives in place to keep them safe.
"Equally businesses must be aware of what is available to keep them, their staff and customers safe, to help further promote and maintain safe nights out in Ipswich."