Taxi Driver Online

Taxi marshalls dubbed 'angels of the night'

A group of taxi marshals have been dubbed 'angels of the night' and praised for improving safety in the city centre. The After8 taxi marshal system was introduced earlier this year, with staff working late night shifts in Central Milton Keynes to help get people home safely after a night out.

Under the new management of Leisure Sec and operating with new guidelines, the After8 Group's system has now been hailed a success by police.

Inspector Colleen Lavery said: "The high visibility of the marshals acts as a clear deterrent for people who may want to target vulnerable people on their way home from a night out. "They're based in a very busy area making it easy for people to identify them and access their help and advice.

"The marshals give the public added reassurance and work closely with the police to help ensure that all visitors to the city centre find a safe way home."

The After8 taxi marshals are located outside the Xscape building’s KFC doors on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 11pm until 4am. They also help to promote the importance of using licensed taxis.
Victoria Schofield Chairperson for the After8 Group.

"Their high visibility jackets offer a comforting symbol of authority while offering an approachable persona that has received a great response from the public."

According to research by the group, 9,676 people were safely escorted to a licensed taxi between January and February 2009. Daniel Mullins, Senior Enforcement Officer at the Taxi Licensing said: "There are many dangers concerning the use of unlicensed taxis or minicabs that people need to be aware of.

"The area outside Xscape offers late night revellers a safe zone that consists of fully licensed and authorised taxis and minicabs and provides one of the safest options for making their way home or onto another destination."

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