Two taxi marshals to be deployed in Rayleigh to help party goers get home safely over festive period

Two taxi marshals will be returning to Rayleigh High Street to make sure those enjoying the nightlife get home safely, following on from the success of the scheme which ran throughout the festive period last year.

Funded by the Rochford & Castle Point Community Safety Partnership, Rochford District Council Licensing Team and Rayleigh Town Council, the officers will be on hand from 11pm to 4am on Friday and Saturday nights.

The two Security Industry Authority registered marshals returned last weekend and it saw them help maintain the taxi queue in the high street, making sure revellers don’t push in and that everyone gets into a taxi safely to make the journey home.

They will remain at the high street throughout the busy Christmas period until 2 January.

Cllr Danielle Belton, Portfolio holder for Climate & Economy, has been working closely with the partners and welcomed their return. She said: “We’re very aware at this time of year, when people are out enjoying themselves, it can get extremely busy at taxi ranks.

“The taxi marshals will be on hand to ensure that queueing and accessing taxis are hassle free and safe for when people are ready to make their way home”.

“We know from previous experience that the marshals provide a strong visual presence with the effect of increasing public confidence.”