Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Canterbury?
968 vehicles in 2026 against 1,009 in 2024: taxis 266 → 177, private hire 743 → 791; 5.97 per 1,000 residents; 11% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 266 | 177 | down 33% |
| Private hire vehicles | 743 | 791 | up 6% |
| Driver licences | 1,132 | 1,100 | down 3% |
| Operator licences | 185 | 329 | up 78% |
How does Canterbury compare with other councils in the South East?
Among councils in the South East, Canterbury ranks 10th of 64 for vehicles per head (5.97 per 1,000, median 2.23). It ranks 1st for operators (329, median 51).[1]
| Measure | Canterbury | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 5.97 | 2.23 | 10th of 64 |
| Operator licences | 329 | 51 | 1st of 64 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 52nd of 64 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 11% | 14% | 37th of 64 |
What does the Canterbury market look like for an operator?
Canterbury's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 18% taxis, 82% private hire of 968 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (791 across 329 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (1,100 for 968).
- 26% dual-licensed drivers, 774 PHV-only, 44 taxi-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Canterbury differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Canterbury'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]
- No disability awareness course for Canterbury private hire drivers; about 71% of councils require one.
- Canterbury operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Canterbury operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Canterbury's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Canterbury grant?
157 new, 46 renewed, 2 refused, 1 revoked; 329 in force (185 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Canterbury?
329 at 1 April 2026, 185 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] Canterbury City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
