Taxi marshals introduced in Salisbury for safer festive celebrations
New initiative aims to ensure a secure night time economy and safe journeys home
Taxi marshals will be managing Salisbury’s busiest taxi ranks throughout December to create a safer environment and help people get home after nights out in the city.
Starting on Friday 12th December, the marshals are stationed at Salisbury city centre’s main taxi areas from 10pm to 4:30am on selected nights during the holiday season.
They will operate on the following dates: 19th, 20th, 24th, 26th, 27th, and 31st December.
The marshals are responsible for managing queues, ensuring fair movement, assisting vulnerable individuals in finding licensed taxis, and maintaining order during peak hours. The initiative, funded by the Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Action Fund via the Police & Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon, is managed by Salisbury City Council in partnership with AEC Protection.
The importance of festive safety
As part of this program, the marshals have direct communication with Salisbury’s CCTV control room and the city’s neighbourhood policing team, enabling swift responses to any incidents and ensuring thorough oversight of taxi areas.
Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner, commented on the initiative:
“During the festive period, we want to encourage people to visit all venues knowing that they will be safe and that they can get home safely as well.
"My office has already funded two Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training sessions for venues across the city and by facilitating funding for the taxi marshals, we are creating a comprehensive package to ensure a safer night out in Salisbury.
"By bringing together key partners, we can work to ensure we provide a safe drinking environment for everyone.”
Additional measures in Salisbury
The marshals are part of a wider “Getting You Home Safe” campaign led by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office. This campaign highlights measures such as street pastors equipped to assist with water and blankets, safety wardens, WAVE training, and public awareness initiatives such as the Ask for Angela scheme.
Salisbury also benefits from visible patrols provided by Wiltshire Police, with officers engaging in licensing checks and supporting the nighttime economy. Inspector Tina Osborn of the Salisbury Neighbourhood Policing Team said:
“We welcome the deployment of taxi marshals in Salisbury over the festive period as it is a busy time of year in the city with many people out celebrating.
"We are committed to working with our partners to ensure Salisbury remains a safe and welcoming place to socialise.”
Supporting public safety
As part of ensuring safety when traveling over the festive season, Wiltshire Police provides travel advice on its Travel Safe webpage alongside guidance from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust. Non-emergency incidents or concerns can be reported discreetly via text message to the British Transport Police at 61016.
Sam Charleston, Leader of Salisbury City Council, expressed the impact of taxi marshals on the city’s nightlife organisation:
“Having taxi marshals in place gives people a clear point of guidance when the city is at its busiest. They help keep the taxi ranks organised, ensure queues move fairly, and offer support when people aren’t sure where to go.
"It’s a simple addition that helps the overall system run more smoothly.”