Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Basildon?
267 vehicles in 2026 against 295 in 2024: taxis 123 → 112, private hire 172 → 155; 1.38 per 1,000 residents; 29% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 123 | 112 | down 9% |
| Private hire vehicles | 172 | 155 | down 10% |
| Driver licences | 355 | 328 | down 8% |
| Operator licences | 29 | 33 | up 14% |
How does Basildon compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Basildon ranks 39th of 45 for vehicles per head (1.38 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 27th for operators (33, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Basildon | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.38 | 2.48 | 39th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 33 | 40 | 27th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 5 | 5 | 22nd of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 29% | 21% | 17th of 44 |
What does the Basildon market look like for an operator?
Basildon's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 42% taxis, 58% private hire of 267 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 5 PHVs per operator on average (155 across 33 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (328 for 267).
- 99% dual-licensed drivers, 3 PHV-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 11 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Basildon differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Basildon's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No convictions policy required of Basildon operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Fewer booking details required: Basildon asks operators to record 11 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out name of driver.
- Policy last updated: 2026, by Basildon's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Basildon grant?
3 new, 4 renewed; 33 in force (29 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Basildon?
33 at 1 April 2026, 29 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] Basildon Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
