The scheme that oversees taxi queues in Ipswich town centre and helps more than 3,500 people every month during nights out is celebrating its 10th anniversary. 

The taxi marshal scheme was launched to prevent disorder and violence and help queues flow as quickly as possible.

Taxi marshals coordinate taxi queues at the Old Cattle Market bus station every Friday and Saturday from 11.30pm until 4.30am. 

The marshals are there to help people who have been out on the town arrange a taxi home.

The scheme is jointly funded by Ipswich Central, Suffolk police and crime commissioner Tim Passmore and Ipswich Borough Council. 

Ipswich Star: Old Cattle Market bus station in Ipswich, NewsquestOld Cattle Market bus station in Ipswich, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Mr Passmore said: “It is extremely important that Ipswich has a reputation as a safe and welcoming town where everyone can come to enjoy a drink, a meal or a trip to the cinema and theatre. 

“Making our town centres safe and prosperous encourages people to visit and spend time and money enjoying what Suffolk has to offer.

"I am happy to financially support this Taxi Marshal initiative. I can see tangible benefits for the constabulary and for the people in Ipswich on weekend evenings. 

“People will get home quicker and more safely, and fewer people hanging around when the pubs and clubs close will reduce potential disorder, which in turn will reduce the pressure on the police. Everyone wins.” 

Ipswich Star: Anthony Miller, Terry Baxter, Cllr John Cook, and Tim Passmore gathered at the Old Cattle Market as the Taxi Marshal scheme celebrates 10 years of being in operation, Taxi Marshal SchemeAnthony Miller, Terry Baxter, Cllr John Cook, and Tim Passmore gathered at the Old Cattle Market as the Taxi Marshal scheme celebrates 10 years of being in operation, Taxi Marshal Scheme (Image: Taxi Marshal Scheme)

Terry Baxter, chairman of Ipswich Central, added: “It is of paramount importance that people feel safe whilst out in the evening.  

“Enabling people to find a taxi easily and safely at the end of their evening out is as important as the evening itself. We are delighted to continue to play a role in the Taxi Marshal scheme.” 

Borough councillor John Cook said that for the 10 ten years marshals have helped businesses in Ipswich town centre support a safe night-time economy by being there to help Ipswich residents and visitors on a night out. 

He added: “The marshals are a great example of a successful partnership working between Ipswich Central, Suffolk Police and Ipswich Borough Council.

"Huge thanks to Stage Security for ensuring that residents and visitors are marshalled safely from the town into taxis at the end of the evening to get home safely.”