A PILOT scheme aimed at making getting a night-time taxi in Bromsgrove a safer experience over the Christmas and New Year period has been hailed a success.
For ten weeks from November until January, a taxi marshal scheme was in place at the taxi rank in Worcester Road every Friday and Saturday evening from 11pm to 5am.
Funded by the Safer Bromsgrove Partnership via the Police and Crime Commissioner, the pilot was initiated as part of a taxi review by Bromsgrove Centres Manager to support the ongoing positive development of the night-time economy.
As part of the review taxi drivers requested support with regards to public parking blocking access to the taxi ranks, anti-social behaviour, managing of queues and strengthening respect for the industry.
The council’s centres manager Cheryl Welsh said: “Feedback has been positively received from the taxi drivers, establishment owners, street pastors and the emergency services who are working together to boost the night-time economy in Bromsgrove.
“Following this success I hope we can make a bid for money to make this a more long-term scheme.”
Over the festive period the marshals helped prevent conflicts arising on the ranks, made sure lone females and vulnerable people were supervised and made sure every driver displayed their credentials.
Coun Margaret Sherrey whose portfolio covers Community Safety and is the Community Ambassador for North Worcestershire and the Police and Crime Commissioner said: “The night time economy in Bromsgrove has seen an increase and it’s vital we make our visitors to the town feel safe.
”Thanks to the funding this pilot scheme made sure that over the very busy Christmas period our partners had the support they needed and I hope we can repeat this again on a longer term basis.”
