Taxi marshals return to Swindon in bid to support safer night-time economy
- Perry Richardson
- Sep 4
- 2 min read
Taxi drivers in Swindon will see dedicated marshals reintroduced across key pick-up points in a push to make late-night travel safer and more efficient for both passengers and drivers.
The new initiative, which launched mid-August and runs through to April 2026, will see accredited taxi marshals patrol key areas including Old Town, Princes Street, and Town Centre North. These locations have been identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and vulnerability, especially during peak hours on Friday and Saturday nights.
Marshals will operate from 10pm to 6am, working closely with taxi drivers to support orderly queuing, reduce conflict and improve dispersal during busy weekend periods. Their presence is designed to assist in managing high demand while also serving as an additional safeguard for drivers against abuse or fare disputes.
The scheme forms part of a broader set of measures introduced by Wiltshire Police, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), and Swindon Borough Council, aimed at improving public safety in the night-time economy. Funding for the marshals and associated projects comes via the Home Office’s Anti-Social Behaviour Hotspot Fund.
For drivers, the marshals offer support in maintaining order at ranks and can help de-escalate situations that may otherwise lead to enforcement or police intervention. Their presence also aims to reduce the risk of individuals attempting to access taxis while intoxicated or aggressive, easing pressure on cabbies working late-night shifts.
These marshals form part of a wider set of joined-up actions. This includes new patrols and enforcement powers granted through a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO), which gives officers the authority to fine or prosecute those causing disruption in the town centre and Broadgreen.
Additional measures such as the return of Project Vigilant and the rollout of WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) training for frontline night-time workers have also been introduced to help identify and manage individuals at risk.
