Taxi Stewards will be operating again in Dumfries and Galloway over the festive period after funding has been received from D&G Council and the Stranraer Common Good Fund. Taxi stewards have previously operated in Loreburn Street, Dumfries for the past two festive periods to considerable public acclaim. The stewards will now be introduced to Stranraer and will operating from a temporary taxi stance in Charlotte Street, Stranraer (directly opposite Castle Green) The stewards functions are to patrol the main taxi rank, maintain order, prevent antisocial behaviour and to ensure the safety of members of the public and taxi drivers.
William McLean, partner in McLean Taxis states “We are delighted to be working with Dumfries and Galloway Anti Violence Group in combatting issues surrounding taxi ranks in Dumfries and Stranraer. Anything that improves the safety of our drivers and passengers we will whole heartedly support. We recognise that persons will have a drink at their festive parties and stewards being employed will help the residents and drivers of Dumfries and Stranraer feel safer.”
Councillor Ted Thompson, Chair of Nithsdale Area Committee, said: “We all seek fun and pleasure over the festive period but, obviously, a combination of alcohol, late nights, early mornings, parties ending, people wanting to get home and queues for taxis can result in frayed tempers and even disorder. The taxi stewards will help to maintain order, prevent antisocial behaviour and safeguard the well-being of the public and taxi drivers.”
Scott Jardine, Substance Misuse Coordinator Dumfries and Galloway Division of Police Scotland states “Repeatedly over the festive period we get reports of anti-social behaviour, disorder and people acting inappropriately at the taxi ranks throughout our region. We are delighted to work with our partners and the engaged taxi stewards to ensure the public are kept safe while waiting to get home after enjoying a night out. Although not directly employed by the police, they will be in radio contact and monitored through CCTV and we will work collectively ensuring everyone is kept safe this festive season.”
Dates and times of taxi stewards operating:-
Dumfries 2016 FESTIVE PERIOD
Saturday 3rd December 2016 from 12 Midnight to 4am
Sunday 4th December 2016 from 12 midnight to 4am
Saturday 10th December 2016 from 12 midnight to 4am
Sunday 11th December 2016from 12 midnight to 4am
Saturday 17th December 2016 from 12 midnight to 4am
Sunday 18th December 2016 from 12 midnight to 4am
Friday 23rd December 2016 from 10pm to 4am
Monday 2 January 2017 from 12 midnight to 4am
Stranraer 2016 FESTIVE PERIOD
Sunday 4 December 2016 – 12 midnight to 3am
Saturday 10 December 2016 – 12 midnight to 3am
Sunday 11 December 2016 – 12 midnight to 3am
Saturday 17 December 2016 – 12 midnight to 3am
Sunday 18 December 2016 – 12 midnight to 3am
Saturday 24 December 2016 – 12 midnight to 3am
Monday 2 January 2017 – 12 midnight to 3am
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