Taxi marshals deployed to ensure safer nights out

Taxi marshals are to be deployed this summer as part of efforts to improve public safety and provide greater reassurance to people enjoying a night out.

The initiative in Swindon and Salisbury in Wiltshire will begin later, coinciding with England's World Cup match against Panama, and will run through to March 2027.

The marshals, stationed at taxi ranks and busy nightlife locations, will help people to access taxis safely, help manage queues and intervene in escalating situations.

Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Philip Wilkinson hopes the scheme will "make a real difference", particularly in tackling violence against women and girls.

The initiative, funded by the office of the PCC, reflects a growing emphasis on prevention in the night-time economy, with trained personnel providing support where risk is highest.

Security company AEC Protection will be stationed at the New Canal taxi rank in Salisbury, while Platinum Security will cover Wood Street and the Old Town area in Swindon.

Wiltshire Police say these areas are among the busiest points in each town during peak hours, when large numbers of people are leaving venues and seeking transport home.

Analysis over six months of the marshals work in Swindon showed that without their presence, crime would have been 52% higher in the area they covered.

"This scheme is about prevention as much as response. Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out and get home safely without fear," said Wilkinson.

"Taxi marshals provide a visible and reassuring presence at some of the busiest points in our town and city centres at night, helping people access transport safely and reducing the risk of incidents.

"By having trained personnel on hand to manage situations early, support those who may be vulnerable and work alongside police and local partners, we can make a real difference to safety in our night-time economy, particularly in tackling violence against women and girls."

In Salisbury, marshals will be on duty on Fridays and Saturdays from 22:00 to 04:00 BST.

In Swindon, they will operate from 22:00 to 06:00 BST on the same days.

Additional provision may be introduced during major events, including if England go beyond the group stage of the World Cup, where increased footfall is expected.

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