Revellers will be able to get home safely over the festive period thanks to the taxi marshal scheme that will be in place in Peterborough city centre.
Peterborough City Council and the Safer Peterborough Partnership will offer the service with marshals operating over the busy festive period. Marshals will be operating on Friday and Saturday nights in December, including Christmas Eve and New Years’ Eve.
Two Security Industry Authority (SIA) registered marshals will operate on the city's taxi ranks, working to prevent alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour and ensure passengers can access taxis quickly and get home safely. They will also work to prevent private hire vehicles from touting.
The marshals will carry radios which will give them access to CCTV and the police. Taxi marshals will also receive training on how to spot the signs of predatory behaviour.
Cllr Zameer Ali, Peterborough City Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities, Poverty and Public Health, said: “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.
“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.”
A special Health Outreach Bus will be positioned in Long Causeway on Friday and Saturday evenings in December, to also offer help and support to festive revellers.
The service is being provided by Peterborough Positive and the Peterborough Light Project.