Plans have been submitted to extend a pilot taxi rank scheme on Ipswich Waterfront designed "to make residents feel safer on nights out."

The initiative, which launched in December 2022, saw the establishment of a temporary rank at Duke Street car park on Neptune Quay between 8pm and 4am daily.

Ipswich Star: The initiative has seen the establishment of a temporary taxi rank at Duke Street car park on Neptune Quay. Credit: Ipswich Borough CouncilThe initiative has seen the establishment of a temporary taxi rank at Duke Street car park on Neptune Quay. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Ipswich Borough Council)

The scheme, which has seen dedicated safety and taxi marshals operate at the rank on Saturday evenings, is a key part of the Ipswich Borough Council's Safer Streets 4 project - an initiative to help combat and prevent crime across Ipswich. 

With the trial set to expire at the end of this month, the council is now discussing proposals to extend the taxi rank to cover spring and potentially summer. 

Cllr Alasdair Ross, portfolio holder for community safety, said: "This trial intends to measure whether a dedicated taxi rank serving the waterfront area of Ipswich is needed.

Ipswich Star: Cllr Alasdair Ross. Credit: Ipswich Borough CouncilCllr Alasdair Ross. Credit: Ipswich Borough Council (Image: Newsquest)

"The initial trial period covered December 2022 to March 2023.

"Stakeholders, venues and partners have all fed back that an extension to cover spring/summer would be beneficial, and we can support this.

"Extending the trial period will allow comparable figures for usage during both the colder winter and milder spring/summer months."

Speaking on the initial announcement of the scheme last year, Chris Barnard, head of place at Ipswich Central, said: "It’s great working in partnership with Ipswich Borough Council to raise awareness and mobilise the Safer Streets funding from government.

Ipswich Star: Chris Barnard of Ipswich Central. Credit: Ipswich CentralChris Barnard of Ipswich Central. Credit: Ipswich Central (Image: Ipswich Central)

"We are already receiving positive feedback, and this is just the start of what can be achieved. 

"It is important that people feel safe on a night out in Ipswich and are aware of all the initiatives in place to keep them safe.

"Equally, businesses must be aware of what is available to keep them, their staff and customers safe, to help further promote and maintain safe nights out in Ipswich."