Visitors enjoying Lichfield’s night-time economy throughout December will benefit from dedicated taxi marshals provided by Lichfield District Community Safety Partnership and funded by Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams.
The marshals are on duty on selected Friday and Saturday nights in the run-up to Christmas, as well as on New Year’s Eve, helping ensure that everyone enjoying a festive night out can get home safely.
Based in key areas of the city centre, including Bird Street and The Friary taxi rank, the marshals provide guidance, reassurance and visible support during the busiest evenings of the season.
They can help people find the correct taxi queue, assist with safe pick-ups, and offer a friendly presence for anyone who may feel vulnerable or unsure about how to get home.
With thousands of people expected to visit the city’s bars, restaurants, markets and festive events, the marshals play an important role in supporting visitors, residents and taxi drivers alike.
Councillor Richard Cox, Cabinet Member for Community and Public Protection, said:
“We want everyone who comes into Lichfield city centre to enjoy everything it has to offer and feel completely safe while they are here. Introducing taxi marshals during this busy period means people can get home confidently and securely after a great night out.
“This is an important investment in the safety and wellbeing of our visitors, and we’re pleased to be working with the Commissioner to provide this extra support.”
Staffordshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Ben Adams said:
“Everyone should be able to enjoy the festive period safely. I welcome the introduction of taxi marshals in Lichfield and hope that they will help to ensure people get home successfully.”
As a Purple Flag city, Lichfield is recognised nationally for providing a safe, vibrant and well-managed night-time economy. The introduction of taxi marshals builds on this commitment by giving visitors extra support during the busiest festive evenings and helping ensure everyone can enjoy their night out with confidence.