Taxi marshals return to make city nights out safer

Taxi marshals have returned to York to ensure two city centre cab ranks are safe for people to use on Friday and Saturday nights.

The scheme, operated by York Business Improvement District (BID), has operated from spring to December for the past eight years, with two marshals on patrol at each location from 23:00 to 03:00 BST.

Since its inception, it has helped to reduce noise complaints, street fights and public urination, according to the BID.

Operations manager Carl Alsop said it ensured "local residents can sleep and local businesses aren't worried".

"Ultimately, there might be a lot of drunk people there, but there also might be people who've just finished work of have gone to see a friend and just want to get home.

"The last thing they want is to be worried about a big group of people who've had a drink and might start something," he said.

The scheme is funded by local businesses, residents and the licensing team at City of York Council, with the BID contributing "very little money", Mr Alsop said.

It contributes to the city's Purple Flag status, according to councillor Kate Ravilious, executive member for transport.

The status, awarded by the Association of Town and City Management (ATCM), is an internationally-recognised scheme similar to Blue Flag awards to coastal towns for high beach standards.

Purple Flags are given in recognition of efforts made to create safe and thriving places for people visiting pubs, bars, clubs and restaurants at night.

Ravilious said the scheme had been "warmly received" by residents and businesses since it started in 2017.

It "supports the aim of reducing violence against women and girls" and "provides additional securities to the taxi trade", she said.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.