Revellers urged to avoid taxi rage in Mansfield by booking transport in advance

Police are urging revellers in Mansfield to avoid taxi rage by pre-arranging their journey home.
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Violence flared in the town centre after people were left waiting for cabs for several hours in the town at the weekend.

A police spokesman said: “On several occasions this weekend officers had to assist taxi drivers with removing people from their vehicles which had been pre-booked by other people. “People have become aggressive with each other in order to get taxis first and people who have left groups of friends to get a taxi could find themselves alone for long periods of time.”

Officers say they are concerned that tensions caused by the situation could lead to problems again over the New Year.

Town Centre Sergeant Colin Kirkup said: “We are reminding people to book taxis in advance or organise a lift with someone who is not drinking alcohol.

“Information is being distributed to licensed premises, as well as through partner social media channels, to get the reminder to as many people as possible.

“We want people to have a night to remember for all the right reasons, and organising who is taking them home is an important part of this.”

A spokesman for Mansfield Partnership Against Crime (MPAC) said the situation could deteriorate now the Nightrider bus service from the town centre on Saturday nights were coming to an end.

She said: “Street Pastors and street marshals, funded by MPAC and Mansfield BID, have proved an invaluable asset to the police in assisting with and helping drunken people, ensuring the safety of consumers and freeing officers to monitor and deal with nuisance.

“But to help further deal with the issue, partners are appealing to anyone planning a night out in Mansfield to sort how they will get home before they set out.”

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