Taxi Driver Online

Think I read this back in August, but didn't post it here, because it's more about crime and disorder, and the nighttime economy, and barely mentions the taxi angle.

But it's instructive in the wider sense, because as is typical with this kind of stuff, it's high on PR, buzzwords and soundbites, but not much in substantive terms beyond that.

But the Swindon Advertiser has just published a more focused piece, centred round the usual festive angle, but again it's all the usual 'vibrant', 'welcoming' and 'inclusive' stuff. But, as we all know, the reality on the ground might be a bit different.

Anyway, probably not of huge interest in terms of trade regulation, but it's a while since there's been a taxi marshal article on here, and I've been ignoring the usual council-issued festive advice about passengers inspecting plates and badges while leaning on the taxi to prevent falling over, or while wiping vomit off the face, etc

(The first photo is captioned 'taxi marshalls in Swindon' )


Taxi marshals have been introduced in Swindon town centre

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/new ... wn-centre/


Image: Newsquest/Swindon Advertiser

Taxi marshals, extra patrols, and a public space protection order are part of new efforts to make Swindon safer at night.

Philip Wilkinson, police and crime commissioner, said: "Ensuring our communities feel safe and are protected, particularly in environments where vulnerability can increase, is a core priority of my office.

"These partnership-led initiatives in Swindon demonstrate how targeted investment and collaborative working can deliver meaningful improvements to public safety. The schemes are among a series of partnership-led initiatives launched this summer to tackle anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Backed by the Home Office’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Fund, the measures are being delivered by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Wiltshire and Swindon, Swindon Borough Council, and Wiltshire Police.

"The introduction of the taxi marshals, alongside the delivery of WAVE training, Project Vigilant patrols, and other safety schemes—including the newly launched Public Spaces Protection Order in Swindon town centre and Broadgreen—reflects our commitment to creating a night-time economy that is not only vibrant but also secure, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all who use it."

Accredited taxi marshals have been patrolling busy pick-up zones in Old Town, Princes Street, and Town Centre North, identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour.

The marshals will operate from 10pm to 6am on Fridays and Saturdays, until April 2026.

The marshals will support safer dispersal and help people get home safely.

The scheme is part of a broader effort to improve safety and confidence in Swindon’s night-time economy.

Extra patrols have also been deployed in areas most affected by anti-social behaviour.

Project Vigilant, which targets predatory behaviours such as harassment and stalking, was relaunched in Swindon at the end of July.

Frontline staff—including door supervisors, bar staff, and volunteers—recently completed Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training.

This nationally recognised programme helps staff identify and support individuals who may be vulnerable, ensuring timely and trauma-informed interventions.

The summer safety initiatives build on existing collaboration between the OPCC, Wiltshire Police, Swindon Borough Council, Street Pastors, Night Angels, and other night-time economy workers under the Safer Streets Summer campaign.

Chief Superintendent Doug Downing said: "These collaborations with partners are essential in underpinning our mission of Keeping Wiltshire Safe.

"We cannot tackle these issues in isolation, and we must continue to forge ever-stronger relationships with our local stakeholders and partners to improve the service we provide.

"These initiatives in Swindon are targeted and based on intelligence which suggests they are hotspots for anti-social behaviour and vulnerability, particularly during Friday and Saturday nights.

"However, our work in this area extends beyond Swindon—all ten of our Neighbourhood Policing Teams across our county are committed to working with partners and our communities to drive down crime and reduce anti-social behaviour.

"We want our communities to feel safe, so we are committed to increasing our visibility when they need us the most."

A new Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) has also been introduced in the town centre and Broadgreen.

The order gives police and council officers the authority to challenge and fine individuals engaging in disruptive behaviour, such as street drinking or using e-scooters in restricted areas.

On-the-spot fines of up to £100 can be issued, with repeat offences potentially leading to prosecution and fines of up to £1,000.

Councillor Jim Grant, Swindon Borough Council’s cabinet member for communities and partnerships, said: "We’re focused on building a town centre that’s welcoming, vibrant and safe for everyone.

"The new PSPO, supported by this initiative, gives our partners the tools they need to address persistent issues and ensure the area remains a positive place for residents, businesses and visitors alike."

What is a taxi marshal? Meet the Swindon crime patrol team

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/new ... trol-team/

Taxi marshals were introduced to Swindon this year in an effort to make the town's nightlife safer - but what do they actually do?

The scheme, set up by Wiltshire Police and backed by the Home Office in 2025, addresses concerns that were raised by residents over anti-social behaviour at Swindon's club and bar hotspots, particularly towards women.

Marshalls say they have already noticed a difference in Swindon's nightlife since they began patrols - but most residents still don't know who they are or what they do.

We joined with taxi marshal Josh Keene-Baxendale to find out exactly what a night as a taxi marshal in the town entails.


Image: Swindon Advertiser

Josh has been a taxi marshal since March 2025. Speaking to the Swindon Advertiser, he explained: "My main job is to look after people getting home after a night out.

"The main issue we have is drunk people and so I keep an eye on people and aid people on the streets, and we also help the police as well.

“We are usually based around Wood Street in Old Town until around 3am and then we move to Kioki and that street."

While the marshals' primary focus is on helping vulnerable people to get home safely during the night, that doesn't just mean clubbers and drinkers.

Taxi drivers told the Adver they have also experienced the positive effects of having a marshal on site, and cabbies working the late-night shift now feel supported in de-escalating aggressive or intoxicated behaviour.


Image: Newsquest/Swindon Advertiser

“Over the last few months, we have been getting to know people who are out all the time, and all of the staff at the clubs and bars and a lot of the taxi drivers know us," added Josh.

“It’s not just about helping people get home safely. We have had cabbies say that they have benefited from us being there. It benefits the whole community at the same time."

The aim now is to spread awareness of the support available, as Swindon's taxi marshals say that many residents they approach are still unaware of who they are.

“Not many people know who we are. We have been called PCSOs before," explained the taxi marshal.

"We make ourselves seen, but because people don’t know that taxi marshals are a thing, they often won’t always come up to us if they need help.

“We wear distinctive blue uniforms that are different from the red of the neighbourhood wardens or the yellow of police officers.


Image: Swindon Advertiser

"My main advice if you need help and you can’t immediately see us would be to stick with friends.

"If your friends leave or you get lost go to a known busy place so you’re not on your own.”

Philip Wilkinson, police and crime commissioner, added: "The introduction of the taxi marshals reflects our commitment to creating a night-time economy that is not only vibrant but also secure, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of all who use it."

I think taxi marshals are a big bonus to drivers working in the nighttime trade. The problem has always been funding them.

I've always thought the answer was for them to be funded out of the money received under the proceeds of crime, but it seems that money always goes to other, IMO, less deserving causes.

_________________
IDFIMH