Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Chelmsford?
265 vehicles in 2026 against 257 in 2024: taxis 174 → 166, private hire 83 → 99; 1.4 per 1,000 residents; 42% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 174 | 166 | down 5% |
| Private hire vehicles | 83 | 99 | up 19% |
| Driver licences | 310 | 310 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Operator licences | 26 | 27 | up 4% |
How does Chelmsford compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Chelmsford ranks 38th of 45 for vehicles per head (1.4 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 33rd for operators (27, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Chelmsford | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.4 | 2.48 | 38th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 27 | 40 | 33rd of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 5 | 26th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 42% | 21% | 12th of 44 |
What does the Chelmsford market look like for an operator?
Chelmsford's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 63% taxis, 37% private hire of 265 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (99 across 27 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (310 for 265).
- 100% dual-licensed drivers.
- Majority nearer to a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 10 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Chelmsford differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Chelmsford's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face both an age limit and an emission standard.[1]
- Fewer booking details required: Chelmsford asks operators to record 10 of the 12 details councils ask for, leaving out date of pick-up and date booking is made.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Chelmsford's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Chelmsford grant?
1 new, 7 renewed, 1 refused; 27 in force (26 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Chelmsford?
From Chelmsford City Council's own fee page, read 08/11/2026. Fees are reviewed each year, usually from April, so check the page before you apply.[3]
| Licence or charge | Fee |
|---|---|
| Initial grant of hackney carriage vehicle licence | £580.00 |
| Hackney carriage vehicle renewal (includes change of fare scale, not equipment) | £409.00 |
| Hackney carriage replacement vehicle | £98.00 |
| Hackney carriage vehicle transfer of interest | £49.00 |
| Replacement driver's badge | £17.50 |
Chelmsford City Council: Taxi licensing fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Chelmsford driver licence?
Replacement driver's badge: £17.50, according to Chelmsford City Council's fee page, read 08/11/2026.
How many private hire operators are there in Chelmsford?
27 at 1 April 2026, 26 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] Chelmsford City Council: Taxi licensing fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
