 Hello and welcome to the latest roundup of news and information
across the city centre.
This edition features updates on a variety of city centre stories, including:
- An update on Safer City actions for October and November
- Your chance to have your say on the future of Doncaster's Markets
- Christmas events taking place throughout December
- Details of free parking in selected council car parks
- Council steps up activities to keep city centre safe this winter
- The return of the "best bar none" scheme
- Have your say on proposed new taxi regulations ahead of Christmas
  October 2025 marked the passing of twelve months since our Safer City initiative began. A collaboration with South Yorkshire Police, this has seen significant investment of over £1m being channelled into new safety measures for Doncaster city centre.
In the first year alone, we have enhanced our CCTV network, introduced a new mobile vehicle (that is equipped with cameras and first aid apparatus), implemented a state-of-the-art Tannoy system, opened a brand-new policing hub in the Frenchgate, and increased both council and police presence throughout the city centre. For more details on what has been achieved here, including encouraging reductions in key crime statistics, read on..
This milestone anniversary isn’t the only highlight from the past couple of months, however, as our Safer City teams have also recently:
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Relaunched the Safe Haven initiative for winter 2025, providing a reassuring place for vulnerable people who need assistance or a friendly face to talk to during their nights out in the city centre.
- Supported the annual International Day of Eliminating Violence Towards Women and Girls vigil at the Unitarian Church.
- Cracked down on the illegal tobacco trade in Doncaster as part of an operation that saw eight premises raided, five arrests made and an estimated £160,000 worth of illicit products seized.
- Hosted a fraud awareness stall with Barclays Bank, in aid of International Fraud Awareness Week.
- Engaged with students from Doncaster College at a Road Safety education roadshows.
- Providing a reassuring presence at major city centre events, including the Christmas light switch on.
- Introduced our new Safer City Christmas cabin for the festive season
To keep up to date with everything Safer City related - visit our website..
We want your views to help shape the next phase of Doncaster Markets investment!
Doncaster residents, visitors, business owners and market traders are being asked for their views and ideas on the future of Doncaster Markets and the Marketplace area.
Earlier this year, Doncaster Mayor Ros Jones and her cabinet launched an extensive 25-year city centre strategy, aimed at improving the city centre and creating a vision that will continue to attract footfall, businesses and investment in the long-term for future generations to enjoy.
Following the start of ongoing work to improve safety in the city centre, and with a number of regeneration projects such as those at the Waterfront and Gateway One now underway, part of the plan will also include a focus on opportunities to enhance the market and the marketplace.
You can help contribute to the vision for the future of the markets by clicking below and filling out our survey.
Christmas activities - with free parking on offer
From walking with the Snowman, to the opening of this year's Christmas Cabins, there is so much on offer in Doncaster City Centre this December.
To make it easier for those visiting the city centre, selected car parks will be offering periods of free parking from 1 December, including:
- From 2pm Monday-Saturday at the Markets Car Park
- From 2pm Monday-Saturday at St Georges Car Park
- All day Sunday free parking at both the Markets Car Park and St Georges Car Park.
- All day Saturday free parking at Chappell Drive Car Park
To find a full guide to all the magical events on offer in the city centre this Christmas - don't forget to keep across the Visit Doncaster Countdown to Christmas guide.
 Council Steps Up Activities to Keep City Centre Safe This Winter
Alongside partners from across South Yorkshire, City of Doncaster Council are taking part in a national campaign that aims to make town and city centres all over the UK safer and more welcoming during the months of December and January.
This Winter of Action will see us stepping up many of the usual activities that already being carried out as part of our ongoing Safer City initiative. Among other things, you can expect to see increased patrols in hotspot areas, coordinated action to tackle crime and disorder, reassuring presence at upcoming Christmas events, and a suite of resources being made available to help people better protect themselves during their nights out in the city centre.
For more information about all of the resources available to help you stay safe in Doncaster over the winter period, click the link below.
Best Bar None Initiative Returns to Doncaster This Winter
An industry gold standard, the "Best Bar None" scheme is run across the country and is supported by the UK Home Office and major industry bodies. It is designed to help people make more informed decisions about where they can go to enjoy safe nights out in their local area, by taking into account things like the premises’ security measures, its licensing practices, the quality of staff training, and the general welfare of its patrons.
Encouraging city centre businesses to put themselves forward for the distinction this year, Glyn Jones, Deputy Mayor and Cabinet Member for Environment, Housing and Safer Communities at City of Doncaster Council, said: “Best Bar None accreditation is a benchmark for excellence in the hospitality sector. When frequenting a participating venue, customers can rest assured that they’re in good hands. We want that to be the case for even more of our city’s licensed premises, which is why we’re delighted to be expanding the scope of the scheme this year in terms of both its geography and the type of businesses that can apply. Our goal here is to encourage the very best in safety standards and responsible alcohol management, so that people can enjoy themselves on their nights out in Doncaster, secure in the knowledge that they will be looked after.”
  Have your say on changes to our Taxi Licensing Policy
There is still time to give us your views and feedback on proposals to change the council's taxi licensing policy.
As part of recent changes by the Department for Transport, the council is required to update its Hackney Carriage and Private Hire Licensing Policy – and we are looking to get your views on the changes and help make them as local and helpful as possible.
Fill in the survey before 19 December to have your say:
 
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