A taxi marshal scheme aimed at ensuring driver and passenger safety is set to launch over the Christmas period in Fleet, in partnership with Fleet Business Improvement District and Hart District Council’s community safety and licensing teams.
The Security Industry Authority-licenced marshals, provided by Bridgegate Security with two thirds of the funding from the Fleet Business Improvement District and the balance from Hart District Council, will operate on Friday and Saturday nights, from midnight to 4am at the taxi rank opposite Moo Moo nightclub until the New Year.
The scheme aims to ensure safe operation of the taxi rank by:
- Ensuring an appropriate queuing system of taxis and passengers.
- Intervening in disputes between drivers and customers.
- Ensuring any vulnerable customers are looked after.
- Diffusing any confrontation between customers or drivers.
- Liaising directly with the council’s CCTV department in the event of any incidents.
- Reporting any issues to the council’s licensing department.
Bruce Bulgin, Chair of Fleet Business Improvement District, said: “The Fleet Business Improvement District represents over 300 businesses in Fleet and the night time economy is an important business sector in the town. Fleet’s busy bars, restaurants and night club attract people from miles around. By supporting the council and providing funding for this pilot over the busy Christmas period, we hope to ensure that Fleet remains a place that people can enjoy their night out in a safe environment.”
Kirsty Jenkins, Hart District Council’s Head of Community Services said: “Following a number of concerns raised by both drivers and passengers, we’re delighted to be able to help fund a taxi marshal scheme over the busy Christmas period, helping to ensure everyone in Fleet has an enjoyable night out and gets home safely.”
