Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Cheshire West and Chester?
1,674 vehicles in 2026 against 1,635 in 2024: taxis 257 → 230, private hire 1,378 → 1,444; 4.5 per 1,000 residents; 100% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 257 | 230 | down 11% |
| Private hire vehicles | 1,378 | 1,444 | up 5% |
| Driver licences | 1,775 | 1,788 | up 1% |
| Operator licences | 149 | 175 | up 17% |
How does Cheshire West and Chester compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Cheshire West and Chester ranks 12th of 35 for vehicles per head (4.5 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 2nd for operators (175, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Cheshire West and Chester | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 4.5 | 3.73 | 12th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 175 | 45 | 2nd of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 8 | 9 | 19th of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 100% | 32% | 2nd of 35 |
What does the Cheshire West and Chester market look like for an operator?
Cheshire West and Chester's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 14% taxis, 86% private hire of 1,674 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 8 PHVs per operator on average (1,444 across 175 licences).
- 1.1 drivers per vehicle (1,788 for 1,674).
- 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 Cheshire West and Chester differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Cheshire West and Chester's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an age limit.[1]
- No knowledge test for Cheshire West and Chester private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Cheshire West and Chester's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Cheshire West and Chester grant?
34 new, 6 renewed, 1 revoked; 175 in force (149 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
How much does a taxi licence cost in Cheshire West and Chester?
From Cheshire West and Chester 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 |
|---|---|
| Private hire operator licence, 5 years: 1 vehicle / 2-5 vehicles | £320 / £450 |
| Private hire operator licence, 5 years: 6-29 / 30-39 vehicles | £620 / £650 |
| Private hire operator licence, 5 years: 50-59 / 90-99 vehicles | £920 / £1,520 |
| Private hire operator licence, 5 years: 100-149 / 150-199 vehicles | £1,720 / £1,920 |
Cheshire West and Chester Council: Hackney carriage and private hire licensing fees, read 08/11/2026.[3]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Cheshire West and Chester?
175 at 1 April 2026, 149 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] Cheshire West and Chester Council: Hackney carriage and private hire licensing fees (read 8 Nov 2026)
