Taxi marshals reintroduced in Salisbury to strengthen night-time safety

Taxi marshals are being deployed in Salisbury this summer as part of efforts to improve public safety and provide greater reassurance to people enjoying a night out.

The initiative began 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. It's one of the busiest points in the city centre 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 in accessing 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.

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 10 pm to 4 am.