Voxpop: Keeping Cardiff safe at night

Cardiff has always been a safe city, but after three sex attacks in five days residents are on high alert.

In light of the attacks Cardiff authorities have teamed up with local taxi companies to ensure people get home safely at night.

Cardiff University has set up a safe-taxi scheme with Dragon Taxis

Schemes include Cardiff University’s safe-taxi scheme, and taxi marshals from Cardiff council being on hand to assist the public from 8pm-4am on weekends.

However, despite this, there has been a surge in complaints about taxi drivers refusing customers – especially those living close to the city centre

Cardiff Council has urged people to report incidents in order to take matters to court and said: “If we don’t receive this information, we cannot act.”

Is enough being done to keep Cardiff safe at night? Let’s ask the locals.

We asked Cardiff locals: “Are Cardiff authorities doing enough to keep people safe at night?”

Michael Thomas, 25, office worker, Cardiff

“There’s not a lot more that the council and local authorities can do really. People should just remember to travel in groups and not walk home alone after a night out.”

Sion Edwards, 22, trainee chemist, Roath

“I think the safe-taxi scheme is a really good idea. People often end up alone on nights out and then walk home. I think the council could promote it more though, especially around the universities.”

Eleanor Staples, 31, social science researcher, Bristol

“I think we need to look at the cause of the problem and address more of the cultural issues within universities. You have to keep women safe in the immediate term, but more education on how women should be treated is needed.”

Gareth Potter, 38, civil engineer, Cardiff

“I don’t use taxis myself but I think more could be done. It’s discriminatory for taxi drivers to not take customers. Perhaps the council could introduce a by-law in the licensing agreement for taxis preventing them from refusing customers?”

Gethin Jenkins, 21, trainee pharmacist, Cathays

“I think the council should have introduced the marshaling scheme earlier to prevent these problems happening, but I think the authorities are doing all that they can at the moment.”

Joy James, 50, post mistress, Llanelli

“My son’s girlfriend is in Cardiff University and I know she has had trouble getting taxis home in the past. I think the council should introduce student night buses to get students home safely.”

Cardiff Council, nightlife, safety, students, taxis, university, vox pop