Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Babergh?
207 vehicles in 2026 against 198 in 2024: taxis 75 → 72, private hire 123 → 135; 2.13 per 1,000 residents; 10% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 75 | 72 | down 4% |
| Private hire vehicles | 123 | 135 | up 10% |
| Driver licences | 209 | 242 | up 16% |
| Operator licences | 44 | 40 | down 9% |
How does Babergh compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Babergh ranks 27th of 45 for vehicles per head (2.13 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 23rd for operators (40, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Babergh | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.13 | 2.48 | 27th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 40 | 40 | 23rd of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 3 | 5 | 35th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 10% | 21% | 25th of 44 |
What does the Babergh market look like for an operator?
Babergh's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 35% taxis, 65% private hire of 207 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 3 PHVs per operator on average (135 across 40 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (242 for 207).
- 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 Babergh differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Babergh's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Babergh taxi drivers sit no knowledge test; about 85% of councils test them.
- No knowledge test for Babergh private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2024, by Babergh's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Babergh grant?
2 new, 5 renewed; 40 in force (44 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Babergh?
40 at 1 April 2026, 44 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] Babergh District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
