Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Brentwood?
225 vehicles in 2026 against 210 in 2024: taxis 169 → 166, private hire 41 → 59; 2.84 per 1,000 residents; 4% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 169 | 166 | down 2% |
| Private hire vehicles | 41 | 59 | up 44% |
| Driver licences | 226 | 257 | up 14% |
| Operator licences | 24 | 35 | up 46% |
How does Brentwood compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Brentwood ranks 20th of 45 for vehicles per head (2.84 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 26th for operators (35, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Brentwood | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.84 | 2.48 | 20th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 35 | 40 | 26th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 5 | 37th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 4% | 21% | 33rd of 44 |
What does the Brentwood market look like for an operator?
Brentwood's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 74% taxis, 26% private hire of 225 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (59 across 35 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (257 for 225).
- 78% dual-licensed drivers, 53 PHV-only, 3 taxi-only.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Brentwood differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Brentwood's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for Brentwood private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Brentwood's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Brentwood grant?
5 new, 2 renewed; 35 in force (24 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Brentwood?
35 at 1 April 2026, 24 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] Brentwood Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
