Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Cotswold?
156 vehicles in 2026 against 170 in 2024: taxis 55 → 45, private hire 115 → 111; 1.7 per 1,000 residents; 2% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 55 | 45 | down 18% |
| Private hire vehicles | 115 | 111 | down 3% |
| Driver licences | 176 | 184 | up 5% |
| Operator licences | 46 | 53 | up 15% |
How does Cotswold compare with other councils in the South West?
Among councils in the South West, Cotswold ranks 18th of 26 for vehicles per head (1.7 per 1,000, median 2.3). It ranks 15th for operators (53, median 58).[1]
| Measure | Cotswold | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 1.7 | 2.3 | 18th of 26 |
| Operator licences | 53 | 58 | 15th of 26 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 2 | 4 | 23rd of 26 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 2% | 7% | 19th of 25 |
What does the Cotswold market look like for an operator?
Cotswold's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 29% taxis, 71% private hire of 156 vehicles: pre-booked work dominates.
- 2 PHVs per operator on average (111 across 53 licences).
- 1.2 drivers per vehicle (184 for 156).
- 34% dual-licensed drivers, 122 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 Cotswold differ from other councils?
4 departures from the usual rules in Cotswold'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 Cotswold private hire drivers, as in about 2 in 5 councils.
- Cotswold operators' call-takers and dispatchers need no DBS check; about 2 in 3 councils require one.
- No convictions policy required of Cotswold operators for their staff; about 3 in 5 councils require one.
- Policy last updated: before 2022, by Cotswold's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Cotswold grant?
7 new, 31 renewed; 53 in force (46 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Cotswold?
53 at 1 April 2026, 46 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] Cotswold District Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
