Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Castle Point?
1,087 vehicles in 2026 against 1,064 in 2024: taxis 108 → 90, private hire 956 → 997; 12 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 108 | 90 | down 17% |
| Private hire vehicles | 956 | 997 | up 4% |
| Driver licences | 1,163 | 1,373 | up 18% |
| Operator licences | 633 | 554 | down 12% |
How does Castle Point compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Castle Point ranks 4th of 45 for vehicles per head (12 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 1st for operators (554, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Castle Point | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 12 | 2.48 | 4th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 554 | 40 | 1st of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 5 | 38th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 21% | 38th of 44 |
What does the Castle Point market look like for an operator?
Castle Point's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 8% taxis, 92% private hire of 1,087 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (997 across 554 licences).
- 1.3 drivers per vehicle (1,373 for 1,087): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 8% dual-licensed drivers, 1,259 PHV-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 Castle Point differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Castle Point's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit, and drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No knowledge test for Castle Point private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Castle Point's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Castle Point grant?
5 new, 352 renewed, 1 suspended; 554 in force (633 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Castle Point?
554 at 1 April 2026, 633 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] Castle Point Borough Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
