Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Ashfield?
1,522 vehicles in 2026 against 1,137 in 2024: taxis 271 → 480, private hire 866 → 1,042; 11.75 per 1,000 residents; 82% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 271 | 480 | up 77% |
| Private hire vehicles | 866 | 1,042 | up 20% |
| Driver licences | 2,637 | 3,171 | up 20% |
| Operator licences | 86 | 109 | up 27% |
How does Ashfield compare with other councils in the East Midlands?
Among councils in the East Midlands, Ashfield ranks 1st of 35 for vehicles per head (11.75 per 1,000, median 1.94). It ranks 5th for operators (109, median 27).[1]
| Measure | Ashfield | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 11.75 | 1.94 | 1st of 35 |
| Operator licences | 109 | 27 | 5th of 34 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 10 | 4 | 6th of 34 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 82% | 10% | 7th of 33 |
What does the Ashfield market look like for an operator?
Ashfield's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 32% taxis, 68% private hire of 1,522 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 10 PHVs per operator on average (1,042 across 109 licences).
- 2.1 drivers per vehicle (3,171 for 1,522): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Ashfield differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Ashfield's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- Ashfield taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for Ashfield private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- No disability awareness course for Ashfield private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Ashfield's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Ashfield grant?
15 new, 36 renewed; 109 in force (86 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Ashfield?
109 at 1 April 2026, 86 at 1 April 2024 (DfT).
Sources
Fees and rules change. Each source is the official page we read, with the date we read it; check it before you apply or pay.
- [1] DfT taxi and private hire vehicle statistics 2026, tables TAXI0104-TAXI0112 (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [2] GOV.UK: Driver licences for taxis and private hire vehicles (read 2 Nov 2026)
- [3] Ashfield District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
