
Darlington’s taxi marshal scheme is set to shut down later this month after nearly five years of service.
The initiative, which launched in 2021 to manage the post-pandemic surge in nightlife, will officially end following its final weekend of operation on March 27 and 28.
Darlington Borough Council cited a significant drop in demand at traditional taxi ranks on Grange Road.
Officials noted that more people are now driving themselves home or using private hire apps instead of queuing for hackney carriages.
Councillor Jim Garner explained that while the marshals helped prevent queue jumping and managed safety, the shift in public habits made the scheme unsustainable.
“External funding allowed the council to provide taxi marshals which, for several years, played a key role in supporting a safe night out,” Garner 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.”
Police have been informed of the move to ensure the town centre remains safe for revellers.
Inspector David Littlefair of the Darlington Neighbourhood Team stated: “We have awareness of the situation with the taxi marshals to ensure people can safely return home after enjoying themselves in Darlington town centre.”

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