Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Colchester?
625 vehicles in 2026 against 571 in 2024: taxis 131 → 131, private hire 440 → 494; 3.12 per 1,000 residents; 22% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 131 | 131 | about the same as in 2024 |
| Private hire vehicles | 440 | 494 | up 12% |
| Driver licences | 616 | 650 | up 6% |
| Operator licences | 80 | 82 | up 3% |
How does Colchester compare with other councils in the East of England?
Among councils in the East of England, Colchester ranks 15th of 45 for vehicles per head (3.12 per 1,000, median 2.48). It ranks 7th for operators (82, median 40).[1]
| Measure | Colchester | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 3.12 | 2.48 | 15th of 45 |
| Operator licences | 82 | 40 | 7th of 45 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 6 | 5 | 18th of 45 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 22% | 21% | 22nd of 44 |
What does the Colchester market look like for an operator?
Colchester's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 21% taxis, 79% private hire of 625 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 6 PHVs per operator on average (494 across 82 licences).
- 1 drivers per vehicle (650 for 625).
- 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 Colchester differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Colchester's DfT return. Vehicles: taxis and private hire vehicles face an emission standard.[1]
- Taxi numbers capped: Colchester limits hackney carriage licences (131 in April 2026); about 1 in 4 councils do.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Colchester's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Colchester grant?
8 new, 8 renewed, 1 refused, 1 revoked; 82 in force (80 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Colchester?
82 at 1 April 2026, 80 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] Colchester City Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
