Pride Quarter gets UK's first rainbow taxi rank

Liverpool drag queen Lady Sian with representatives at the new rainbow taxi rank - a UK first

The UK's first rainbow taxi rank is to be installed in a city's Pride Quarter.

A number of improvements aimed at boosting safety are being installed in Liverpool's LGBTQ+ village.

They will include improved signage and CCTV, which Liverpool City Region Pride Foundation chief executive Andi Herring said were "vital" for the area.

The improvements are being paid for by the network, Merseyside Police and Liverpool City Council.

'Safe at all times'

"The Pride Quarter is a safe place for our region’s LGBT+ community and allies and it’s vital that people can feel that sense of security when visiting or passing through the area," said Mr Herring.

"Preventing serious crime and violence... in particular where these are motivated by hate, is something that must be prioritised in areas where people may feel vulnerable at night."

LGBT+ inclusive symbols will be displayed on bins and lampposts and CCTV and lighting will be upgraded, Merseyside Police said.

There will also be an increased police presence at night.

Sgt Craig Winstanley said the force wants residents and visitors to Liverpool’s Pride quarter to feel "safe at all times".

He said: "These new measures, alongside our regular walkabouts and visible hotspot patrols in the area, aim to provide reassurance to members of the public and prevent crime."

The improvements come after Liverpool secured the Purple Flag status for a 14th year.

It is given to towns or cities which are said to meet or surpass the standards of excellence in managing the evening and night-time economy.

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