Town centre taxi marshal service begins

The marshals will be in Northampton during certain weekends

A taxi marshal service has been launched in a town to help people get home safely at night.

It will be in operation on Mercer's Row in Northampton town centre between 23:00 and 05:00 during certain weekends.

The marshals will be responsible for making sure lone females, vulnerable people and those accompanied by children are safely supervised.

David Smith, from West Northamptonshire Council, said it would "make our town centres a safer and more welcoming place for everyone".

The marshals will be in place on Friday and Saturday nights during pay weekends, bank holiday weekends and additional weekends during busy and festive periods.

They will also help manage taxi queuing systems and report any issues to the council and police.

The pilot will run until September 2025, although the council said it could be extended.

It has been funded by the Office of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner.

Mr Smith, the council's cabinet member for community safety and engagement and regulatory services, said the marshals would make "nights out more enjoyable for both members of the public and our taxi drivers, who play an important role in getting people home safely".

He also said it would help emergency services by reducing accidents on the road and diffusing "escalating situations".