The marshals will supervise late night taxi queues in Reading

A taxi marshal scheme aimed at clamping down on illegal operators will get under way in a Berkshire town.

Reading's Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership says it will pilot the use of marshals at ranks to ensure people have a safe and fair journey home.

Two marshals will work between 2100 and 0330 GMT on Fridays and Saturdays over a three-month period, the council said.

Their duties will also include supervising late night taxi queues in a bid to reduce levels of disorder.

The marshals will operate in Station Road and Station Hill.

Councillor Tony Page, lead councillor for community action, said: "This will give improved security at times when the station taxi rank is very busy.

"It responds to pressure from the Hackney Carriage trade and should result in a better overall service to the public, besides deterring illegal touting for business by private hire vehicles."

Haji Banaras, chairman of Reading Taxi Association, said: "This is a big step forward in stopping private hire cabs, which are not allowed to ply for trade or use the ranks from operating in the area.

"If these unlicensed cabbies know there are marshals patrolling the area, then they will go elsewhere."