Taxi marshals to help revellers stay safe this Christmas

As revellers start to get into the Christmas spirit, taxi marshals will once again be on the streets of Beverley and Bridlington making sure people get home safely.

For the ninth consecutive year, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team will be providing taxi marshals who will be working through the night on the streets of two East Yorkshire towns, to ensure Christmas and New Year celebrators are getting home safely.

The highly visible licensed marshals will operate on the main ranks in Beverley and Bridlington on days between Friday, 20 December 2019 to Wednesday, 1 January 2020 between 10pm and 3am, to help ensure people leave the town centres safely, make sure there are orderly queues as well as making sure people are getting into a licensed vehicle.

During the festive period, the licensing team will also be looking out for any bogus vehicles to ensure only lawful taxis are operating.

Licensing officers have also teamed up with local taxi drivers as well as pubs and clubs across the East Riding to display stickers and posters with tips on how to get home safely.

Councillor Mike Stathers, portfolio holder for enhancing communities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “While the East Riding does have a reputation for being a safe place to be, people still need to make sure they stay safe when out enjoying themselves.

“We are aware that most revellers who join a taxi queue after a night out are well behaved, however a small minority can cause problems for others. The taxi marshals can help people stay calm and in good spirits.

 “We always have a great response from residents, people in the pub and bar trade as well as taxi owners who all say the initiative works very well.”

Anyone who has any concerns about unlicensed taxis should contact the council’s licensing team by emailing taxi.hub@eastriding.gov.uk

Tips to help you stay safe this Christmas and New Year:

• As part of the taxi safe campaign, East Riding of Yorkshire Council’s licensing team has issued the following information and advice for people using taxis or private hire vehicles:
• The majority of East Riding licensed taxis are now in the distinctive green and white livery, making them easier to identify, and many have CCTV in the vehicle to keep the driver and passengers safe
• Hackney Carriage cabs can be hailed in the street or on a rank and will display a white oval door sticker and a top light saying “taxi”
• Private hire vehicles must be pre-booked and will display yellow oval stickers on the passenger door saying “pre-book only”
• Licensed drivers will have an identity badge which should be prominently displayed
• Always carry a telephone number of a trusted licensed taxi or private hire company
• When booking in advance, ask for the name of the driver as well as the model and colour of the car
• Confirm booking details with the driver when the vehicle arrives to make sure it’s the car you ordered
• If you are out with friends make sure everyone has a way of getting home
• Don’t walk home alone if you’ve had too much to drink as it can make you vulnerable.