Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Blackburn with Darwen?
1,069 vehicles in 2026 against 874 in 2024: taxis 53 → 39, private hire 821 → 1,030; 6.58 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 53 | 39 | down 26% |
| Private hire vehicles | 821 | 1,030 | up 25% |
| Driver licences | 1,133 | 1,398 | up 23% |
| Operator licences | 65 | 91 | up 40% |
How does Blackburn with Darwen compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Blackburn with Darwen ranks 8th of 35 for vehicles per head (6.58 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 8th for operators (91, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Blackburn with Darwen | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 6.58 | 3.73 | 8th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 91 | 45 | 8th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 11 | 9 | 15th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 32% | 1st of 35 |
What does the Blackburn with Darwen market look like for an operator?
Blackburn with Darwen's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 4% taxis, 96% private hire of 1,069 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 11 PHVs per operator on average (1,030 across 91 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,398 for 1,069): 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 Blackburn with Darwen differ from other councils?
3 departures from the usual rules in Blackburn with Darwen's DfT return.[1]
- Taxi numbers capped: Blackburn with Darwen limits hackney carriage licences (39 in April 2026); about 1 in 4 councils do.
- No age or emission limit for Blackburn with Darwen taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Blackburn with Darwen's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Blackburn with Darwen grant?
18 new, 30 renewed; 91 in force (65 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Blackburn with Darwen?
91 at 1 April 2026, 65 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] Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
