Darlington has been recognised by the Purple Flag award as a town that offers a safe night out. This international accreditation recognises cities and towns for the high quality after dark.

We are proud of how safe and welcoming our town is to those who live, work, study and visit here, in the day as well as in the evening and night. Here's some useful advice and information to help you plan ahead for a safe evening.

Pre-book your taxi in advance

Avoid waiting around for a lift home by pre-booking a taxi. Ask for details of the car when making the booking.

Make sure the driver knows the destination and the name it was booked under when it arrives.

There are several taxi firms operating in the town as well as a number of independent drivers who advertise online. You can also book an Uber online or via the Uber app.

Be prepared for a longer wait at taxi ranks

At busy times, you may have to wait a while at taxi ranks. The main taxi ranks in town are at Grange Road, Market Square and Bondgate.

Staying safe in a taxi

There are some simple tips you can follow to feel safe when getting a taxi.

• Check the car - licensed vehicles have private hire or hackney carriage licence plates. Private hire vehicle and red taxis also have council door signs and hackney carriage have roof signs. If you order an Uber it will tell you the registration of the car and details of the driver.
  
  
• Ask to see the driver's ID badge before you get in
  
  
• Share your planned journey details with a friend or family member
  
  
• Take a photo of the driver's ID or the taxi's licence plate
  
  
• Don't share personal information, other than your destination, with the driver
  
  
• Sit in the back seat behind the driver 
  
  
• If the driver is making you feel uncomfortable ask them to stop the car so you can get out. Try to get them to stop in a well-lit, public area where there are other people and potentially CCTV cameras. If you feel threatened or the driver refuses to stop, call 999 immediately and if you booked your journey through an app, use the in-app emergency feature

All taxi and private hire vehicle drivers, including those from other areas, require a licence. Typically drivers must have an enhance disclosure and barring service (DBS) check and to register for the update service which alerts their local authority of any changes which may impact their licence.

The taxi and private hire trade is well-regulated in this country, and incidents are rare. If something has happened or you felt unsafe, try to get as much information as possible about the driver and the vehicle and report it to the council's licensing team by email licensing@darlington.gov.uk or phone 01325 405888 during normal office hours. If you are in immediate danger or feel unsafe call 999.

Be a designated driver

Before your night out, see if one of your friends will be the designated driver - staying on soft drinks so they can give everyone a lift home. Don't forget to volunteer too!

Never drink and drive - you're not only breaking the law but putting yourself and others at risk.

Know the last bus and train times

Check bus and train timetables before you go out so you know what time you need to head home.

Check Traveline for bus and train journey information.

You can also plan your journey online or call 0871 200 22 33 (calls cost 12p per minute from landlines and mobiles) 7am-8pm.

Charge your phone

If you want to contact friends or family or try to arrange a lift home, you need to know your phone won't run out of charge. Make sure it's fully charged before you head out or take a portable charger with you.

If your phone does run out of charge on a Friday or Saturday night and you are in the town centre, The Vault, Babul's, The Hummingbird, Number One Bar and The Turk's Head all have Jolt power banks. The Cherry Tree, Crafty's, The Golden Cock, Vesuvio and The Dolphin Centre all have spare chargers.

If you need help

If you are in the town centre and feel vulnerable or need help, there is an emergency button on the lamp post outside Number One Bar on Blackwellgate. The button connects you straight to the CCTV control room which is manned 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. The CCTV team will arrange any help you need and liaise with civic enforcement officers and the police.

Qualified first aiders patrol the town centre on Friday and Saturday nights, and also respond to calls for help from door staff.

The police

Durham Police carry out regular patrols in the town centre.

In an emergency, call 999. For non-emergencies, call 101.

Safe Places

Safe Places are venues around the town will offer help and support if you feel anxious, scared or believe you may be at risk.

You can find out more and check locations at www.safeplaces.org.uk or download the Safe Places app from the App Store.

Take care near open water

Stay away from the edges of ponds and rivers, especially if you have been drinking, and never walk on ice covered water. If someone falls into water, don’t go in after them – ring 999 and try to reach them from the bank using a piece of clothing or a branch or throw them a life ring or throw line. If you fall in water, stay calm, float on your back and call for help.

What3words

The what3words app helps the emergency services pinpoint exactly where you are if you need help. Simply read the three words corresponding to your location when you call 999.

Restaurants and accommodation

Looking for somewhere to eat or stay? Take a look at our restaurant directory or accommodation directory.