GETTING home after a fun night out at the weekend in Bishop’s Stortford will become much quicker and easier from Friday October 14, when a new taxi rank opens at the bus station between 11pm and 4am on Friday and Saturday nights as well as Sundays on Bank Holiday weekends.

In addition Hertfordshire County Council, Bishop’s Stortford Town Council and East Herts Council have worked together with Hertfordshire Constabulary to set up a trial Taxi Marshal Scheme at the new rank, similar to a scheme running in Hertford.

Marshals will ensure that passengers using the rank get into East Herts licensed Hackney Carriages, as well as maintaining an orderly queue for the taxis throughout the night.

Chris Hunt East Herts Safer Neighbourhood Inspector said: “Marshals will work closely with the police, the CCTV team and councils as well as pub and club door staff to keep the town safe and orderly. They will communicate any problems via the town link radio system, playing a vital role in the reducing the risk of crime. They will help taxi drivers by making sure customers are not disorderly, eating food or smoking whilst getting into a taxi and also by helping to ensure that passengers have the ability to pay for longer journeys.”

The results of the trial, which will run until mid-January 2017, will be reviewed early in the New Year.

Executive member for the environment and the open spaces Graham McAndrew said: “The new taxi marshal scheme will be a huge asset to the night-time economy of Bishop’s Stortford, making it easier for people to get home safely after a night out. Marshals in Hertford have proven to be highly effective in reducing illegal “pick-ups,” as well as controlling taxi queues, improving safety for people and dealing with confrontational situations.”

Bishop’s Stortford Mayor Keith Warnell said: “We have a vibrant evening and nighttime offering in our town which is well supported and this new taxi marshalling scheme will ensure that those who have enjoyed themselves in Bishop’s Stortford will get home safely and easily after a good night in our town.“