Taxi rank 'police' to patrol Plymouth city centrehttps://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/news/p ... th-1751955The scheme aims to reduce incidents involving drunken revellersMarshals will be stationed at more taxi ranks in Plymouth in a bid to reduce the number of incidents involving drunken revellers.
Following a scheme that was piloted on the Barbican earlier this year, marshals employed by City Security will now be monitoring ranks near some of the city's most popular bars and clubs.
Throughout July and August, they will be based in the Derry's Cross area including on the busy ranks outside Genting casino.
Police and the city council say the aim of the scheme is to help keep people safe and reduce the number of incidents associated with taxi ranks.
Inspector Robin Loveridge, of Devon and Cornwall Police, said: “This is an excellent example of organisations involved in the night time economy coming together and working in partnership to ensure people enjoying Plymouth’s nightlife can do so safely.
"Taxi marshals proved to be a huge success on the Barbican and we are really pleased to be extending this to the city centre."
Rachael Hind, licensing service manager for Plymouth City Council, said: “We want people to come and enjoy what Plymouth has to offer and for them to get home quickly and safely.
"We also want a vibrant evening and night time economy that does not cause nuisance to residents.
"Taxi marshals can assist in getting people to leave the pubs/clubs more quickly, and by doing so, reduce the impact of noise and other anti-social behaviour to residents living nearby."
She added: "It is also important that we support the taxi drivers, who often face violence and abuse when transporting people late at night.
"The taxi marshals will be there to support the drivers and provide a safer environment for everyone.”
City Security managing director Tony Merrick said: “City Security is proud to have been asked to provide taxi marshals for the city centre this summer.
"This project is a great example of the partnership between Devon & Cornwall Police, Best Bar None, Plymouth Pubwatch and Plymouth City Council, in making Plymouth’s night time economy, a safe place for people to enjoy themselves.”
Cat Macdonald from Best Bar None added: “We are pleased to be contributing towards funding the taxi marshal scheme over the summer months. This is yet another great example of how the licensed trade is working together with agencies to promote Plymouth as a safe and vibrant place to go at night.
"The marshals will be able to reassure people that they will be able to find a taxi in a controlled queue, assisting in preventing anti-social behaviour, improving the safety of vulnerable persons and dealing with confrontational situations. “
Funding for the taxi marshals is also being provided by the City Centre BID and PARC (Plymouth Against Retail Crime).
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