Key facts
How many taxis and private hire vehicles are licensed in Cumberland?
752 vehicles in 2026 against 730 in 2024: taxis 410 → 445, private hire 320 → 307; 2.68 per 1,000 residents; 18% of taxis wheelchair accessible.[1]
| 2024 | 2026 | Change | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taxis | 410 | 445 | up 9% |
| Private hire vehicles | 320 | 307 | down 4% |
| Driver licences | 1,003 | 1,086 | up 8% |
| Operator licences | 77 | 80 | up 4% |
How does Cumberland compare with other councils in the North West?
Among councils in the North West, Cumberland ranks 26th of 35 for vehicles per head (2.68 per 1,000, median 3.73). It ranks 11th for operators (80, median 45).[1]
| Measure | Cumberland | Regional median | Rank (highest = 1st) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vehicles per 1,000 residents | 2.68 | 3.73 | 26th of 35 |
| Operator licences | 80 | 45 | 11th of 35 |
| Private hire vehicles per operator | 4 | 9 | 32nd of 35 |
| Wheelchair-accessible taxis | 18% | 32% | 25th of 35 |
What does the Cumberland market look like for an operator?
Cumberland's own DfT 2026 figures, worked out per operator and per vehicle.[1]
- 59% taxis, 41% private hire of 752 vehicles: rank and street hails matter.
- 4 PHVs per operator on average (307 across 80 licences).
- 1.4 drivers per vehicle (1,086 for 752): shared or double-shifted cars.
- 35% dual-licensed drivers, 386 PHV-only, 318 taxi-only.
- Majority further from a major town or city (DfT area class).
- 12 booking details to record per job (booking records).
How does licensing in Cumberland differ from other councils?
2 departures from the usual rules in Cumberland's DfT return. Vehicles: drivers must carry out daily roadworthiness checks.[1]
- No age or emission limit for Cumberland taxis, as in about 1 in 6 councils.
- Policy last updated: 2025, by Cumberland's own account to the DfT.
How many operator licences does Cumberland grant?
4 new, 22 renewed; 80 in force (77 in 2024). Operator rules.[1]
Frequently asked questions
How many private hire operators are there in Cumberland?
80 at 1 April 2026, 77 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] Cumberland Council: official website (taxi and private hire licensing) (read 8 Nov 2026)
