First ‘Rainbow Taxi Rank’ in Liverpool’s Pride Quarter to boost safety

Image credit: Merseyside Police

Liverpool city centre is set to receive the UK's first-ever 'Rainbow Taxi Rank', as part of efforts to maintain the area’s Purple Flag status for exceptional nightlife safety. This status has been upheld for an impressive 14th consecutive year.

The initiative, a collaboration between Merseyside Police, the LCR Pride Foundation, and Liverpool City Council, aims to bolster security and support in the Pride Quarter, both during the day and throughout the night. The new measures include not only the distinctive taxi rank but also improved signage and extensive CCTV upgrades.

Signage around the Pride Quarter will now feature LGBT+ inclusive symbols on various street fixtures, including bins and lampposts. This is accompanied by enhanced lighting and a more robust CCTV network to improve visibility and safety. The initiative also involves a strengthened police presence and increased community engagement, aiming to deter crime and reduce instances of serious violence.

Funding for these improvements was secured through a Home Office grant, applied for by Merseyside Police. Sergeant Craig Winstanley of the City Centre Neighbourhood Policing team has been instrumental in spearheading the project, in close cooperation with the LCR Pride Foundation and the City Council.

These enhancements are part of a broader strategy to ensure Liverpool remains a safe, welcoming, and inclusive city for everyone who visits or resides in the Pride Quarter.

Sergeant Craig Winstanley said: “We want residents and visitors to Liverpool’s vibrant Pride Quarter to feel safe at all times, so we are proud to be working in partnership with Liverpool City Council and LCR Pride Foundation to implement these new measures. Following a successful funding bid, the new taxi rank and safety measures will support the city’s day and night-time economy and play a part in making the area a safer and more welcoming place for everyone.

“Criminal activity and serious violence will not be tolerated, and we take every report very seriously. 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.”

Andi Herring, CEO of LCR Pride Foundation, said: “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. Preventing serious crime, violence and in particular where these are motivated by hate, is something that must be prioritised in areas where people may feel vulnerable at night. Working alongside Merseyside Police this scheme is just the latest initiative that sends a clear message we take this seriously in our region.”