A SCHEME to target disorder at a city's taxi ranks has been hailed a success.

Over the New Year period, police officers marshalled the busiest queues in Sunderland.

Northumbria Police said the scheme, backed by Sunderland City Council, made queuing safer and more pleasant for customers and drivers.

Last summer, a scheme started in which undercover officers joined beat officers to reduce anti-social behaviour at late-night cab queues.

The force said the success of the crackdown on disorder at taxi ranks came along with a generally peaceful period in the city.