Taxi marshals introduced in Swindon and Salisbury to strengthen night-time safety

The initiative will begin on Saturday 27 June 2026, coinciding with England’s World Cup match against Panama, and will run through to March 2027.

Funded by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, the marshals will be stationed at key late-night locations, with AEC Protection operating at the New Canal taxi rank in Salisbury and Platinum Security covering Wood Street and the Old Town area in Swindon. These areas are among the busiest points in each town during peak hours, when large numbers of people are leaving venues and seeking transport home.

The introduction of marshals is intended to create a safer and more controlled environment at these pressure points. Acting as a visible and reassuring presence, they will support people to access taxis safely, help manage queues and intervene early where situations risk escalating.

Their role will include assisting members of the public, particularly those who may be vulnerable, engaging with local businesses and door staff, and working alongside police where necessary.

The approach reflects a growing emphasis on prevention in the night-time economy, with trained personnel providing support at moments when risk is highest. By maintaining a consistent, high-visibility presence, marshals are expected to reduce opportunities for disorder and improve the overall experience for those visiting our city and town centres at night.

Philip Wilkinson, Police and Crime Commissioner for Wiltshire and Swindon said:

“Everyone should be able to enjoy a night out and get home safely without fear. Taxi marshals provide a visible and reassuring presence at some of the busiest points in our town and city centres at night, helping people access transport safely and reducing the risk of incidents.

“This scheme is about prevention as much as response. By having trained personnel on hand to manage situations early, support those who may be vulnerable and work alongside police and local partners, we can make a real difference to safety in our night-time economy, particularly in tackling violence against women and girls.”

A key priority of the scheme is tackling violence against women and girls, alongside improving wider perceptions of safety after dark. The marshals will be expected to provide timely, trauma-informed responses to incidents, helping to defuse situations and support individuals before harm occurs. Analysis over six months of the marshals work in Swindon showed that without their presence, crime would have been 52% higher in the area they covered.

They will also work in coordination with neighbourhood policing teams and other patrols already operating in these areas, contributing to a joined-up approach to community safety. Information gathered during shifts, including incidents that escalate beyond their control, will help inform ongoing policing and prevention activity.

The service will operate during peak night-time hours, when demand for transport and the potential for incidents is highest. In Salisbury, marshals will be on duty on Fridays and Saturdays from 10pm to 4am. In Swindon, they will operate from 10pm to 6am on the same days.

Additional provision may be introduced during major events, including if England go beyond the group stage of the World Cup, where increased footfall is expected.

The scheme is intended to make nights out safer and easier to navigate, giving people greater confidence about getting home and helping ensure Salisbury city centre and Swindon town centre remain places people can use and enjoy after dark without feeling at risk.