Darlington taxi driver’s warning after marshal scheme ends

Gavin Ellis praised the impact of the scheme on Darlington’s Grange Road, which was introduced in 2021 to manage queues, support vulnerable people and help keep town centre customers safe.

But last weekend saw the town’s two marshals serve their final shift after Darlington Borough Council ended the scheme due to reduced demand. 

Yet Mr Ellis fears incidents among passengers and drivers will now rise, and said the marshals proved their worth on their final night.

Taxi driver Gavin Ellis in Darlington market place. (Image: Chris BOOTH)

He said: “Ironically, on their last night, they split at least three potential fights up. 

“I also had a customer who told me he had been a victim of violence on that rank, ending up in A&E because someone decided to headbutt him because he didn’t realise he was standing in the wrong place.

“Last year, one of them actually saved a man’s life, and this is how they’re rewarded.

“I sincerely hope somebody’s son or daughter does not become a victim of this short-sighted decision.

“Those marshals have been a godsend to the taxi trade, helping us with unscrupulous customers, stopping queue jumping and breaking up fights.”

The scheme was originally established in response to a post-Covid shortage of taxis and drivers, and an increase in demand as residents returned to pubs, bars, and restaurants following the easing of restrictions.

This imbalance led to long queues at taxi ranks, increasing the risk of disorder, queue jumping, and some taking the risk of seeking lifts from unlicensed drivers or strangers.

The 65–year-old said he tried to organise a petition to keep the marshals but didn’t receive the required amount of signatures for it to be considered by council leaders. 

Speaking in February ahead of the scheme ending, Councillor Jim Garner, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We are grateful for their efforts, but with the change in habits, less demand at taxi ranks, alongside reduced funding, we felt now was the time to bring the initiative to a close.”

Durham Police said it will continue to patrol the town centre to ensure people can return home safely. 

A council spokesperson added: “Darlington continues to be recognised as a safe and welcoming place for a night out and we recently retained the prestigious Purple Flag accreditation. 

“Safety measures remain in place, including qualified door staff, police patrols and the help button  at the junction of Skinnergate and Houndgate, which links to our CCTV control room.

“We urge people to plan ahead of a night out to ensure they can get home safely and there are tips on the Enjoy Darlington website.”