Update on town's taxi marshals

A number of taxi marshals have been removed from duty while an investigation is carried out into reports of a passenger being pressurised into giving them a tip.

The council commissions a private security company to provide taxi marshals at the rank on Grange Road. They are employed to help people feel safe while they are waiting for a taxi and to reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour.

Following a report at the weekend (Dec 20-22) that a passenger felt pressurised into tipping the marshals before being allowed to get into a taxi, a number of marshals have been removed from duty while an internal investigation is carried out.
 

Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We commission a security company to provide taxi marshals and this behaviour has never been endorsed. The paying of tips is a matter for customers and they should never be made to pay a tip or feel compelled to do so. When the security company was made aware of this incident they immediately informed us and removed the staff from taxi marshal duties whilst they carry out an investigation.”

The taxi marshal scheme is just one of the measures in place to ensure people have a fun and safe night out in Darlington. Number Forty on Skinnergate is open on Friday and Saturday nights to provide a safe space and practical support for anyone who feels vulnerable and needs a helping hand. There is also an emergency button on a lamppost on the junction of Blackwellgate and Skinnergate which connects people to the CCTV team. 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

For more tips to help you have a fun, safe night out visit www.enjoydarlington.co.uk/stay-safe